November 25, 2013

Avalanche in Japan claims 7 lives!

Seven skiers are dead following an avalanche on Mt. Masago, Japan. The group of backcountry skiers, four men and three women, triggered a slide estimated to be 30 meters wide? and 600 meters long. The victims were evacuated by helicopter to a local hospital, where they were declared dead.

Police were still searching the mountainside for other potential victims. The names of the deceased have not yet been released.  Some footage of the avalanche and rescue.  Very busy area with ski tourers.  http://www.asahi.com/articles/OSK201311230005.html

Sunset from Powder Mountain area November 24, 2013.

Cailey and Pyroclastic Peaks.


Weather observations for November 25Th, 2013 taken at 06:00 hrs.

2180 meters   temp +2, anemometer not working
1835 meters   temp +4, winds were 15-20 KPH from the SSE
1650 meters   temp +3, 65 cm base
  660 meters   temp  -2, Nester's Weather Station

Maximum Temperature yesterday at 2180 meters was +6 at 20:00 Hrs, it was 0 at 660 meters.

For the forecast more cloud expected for today as unsettled conditions continue for the week. There is a weak front approaching late Wednesday with the possibility of a light flurry into Thursday. There may be a front for Saturday, but stand by. La Nada is doing her thing!! Upper level ridge is moving eastward allowing more cloud into our area.

A weak dissipating front arrives Wednesday, but still very dry.



Video of Avalanche on Mt. Masago, in Japanesse: You Tube

Japanese Avalanche Update: Not much new information

Recent avalanche photos from GNFAC: Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center

Be aware of avalanche danger in Colorado: CAIC

Avalanche Centre issues season's first bulletins: Canadian Avalanche Centre
The advisory is also now working on the side bar of the blog, top tab of the blog has the WB advisory!

Sea to Sky Avalanche Advisory: CAC
By clicking on the CAC bulletin on the side bar of the blog you can get more info.

A look into the future with meteorologist: David Jones

For a laugh, LA is on "Storm Watch": Jimmy Kimmel Live

Beacon Checker on Flute, there is also one that is installed in Blackcomb Glacier Provincial Park.
Tim Haggerty Photo.

Even around the Powder Mountain area there are many exposed and partially bridged crevasses.

Looking out into the Pemberton Ice Cap.

Crevasse Hunter. Average of around 1.25 meters of snow here.

Picture below was taken around the same time as this satellite image from Sunday.

Clouds were amazing on November 24, 2013.

Pink sky in the evening, pink sky in the morning. But no big snow warning!!??

Come out and support the museum and get involved in this worth while forum.

 Looks like we could see some snow for Saturday!!

A more vigorous frontal system is forecasted for Sunday.