December 12, 2013

Yesterday morning started off as a grey day, but became nicer in the afternoon. Dec 11, 2013

Opened to the blue for a while, great views with a trace of snow!!

Intact stellars hanging on branch.

Weather observations for December 12, 2013 at 06:00 Hrs.

2240 meters            No Data
2180 meters    -6.5, winds were 30-50 KPH from the SSW
1860 meters    -4.5, winds were 15-30 KPH from the SSE
1835 meters    -4,    winds were 20-40 KPH from the SSE
1650 meters    -2,    No new snow, Base 79 cm
1550 meters    -3,    No new snow , Base 55 cm
  660 meters    -5,    Valley Temp

For the forecast, a weak front will give us light snow for today, but the models have backed off on the amounts. Another upper level ridge will bring cloud for Friday with a moist NW flow. A weak front in the NW flow will bring minimal precipitation to the area on Saturday. A westerly flow will push this pattern through on Sunday. More on the long range forecast tomorrow.

Guesstimates: Today 2-4 cm; Friday Dry with the slight chance of a flurry; Saturday 1-3 cm; Sunday a trace of new snow. Freezing levels will rise to 1600 meters by Sunday then slowly drop back to the valley by Tuesday.

Vancouver will get more snow than our zone.


Ski Tourer's and Heli Skier's getting along: Harmony in Utah?!?

Will avalanche apps save lives: Outside Magazine
I am not promoting the apps but its interesting to hear what people are thinking!

Avalanche Airbags do not always work: Adventure Journal
Last year there were several deaths in Europe where the person was buried after deployment of the airbag, there was also a fatality in Canada where the airbag was not properly attached but deployed. There are more instances of burial with airbags resulting in a fatality than you would think from all the promotion of these devices from the manufacturers. Air Bag Bravery is a controversial topic. They are just another tool that may minimise your chance of a burial. They are not like life jackets!!


Great Avalanche Eduction Program in Alaska: Tailgate Alaska


                                   

Very cloudy picture from yesterday morning.

Awesome sunset by the end of the day. Dec 11, 2013.

Giant pile of snow on Cruiser!

Fitzsimmons creek is still giving the snow makers plenty to work with. 

Reservoir on Blackcomb.