December 14, 2013

December 13, 2013, multiple moist cloud layers but no precipitation.

For a short time there was fairly good visibility at certain locations.

The moist cloud layer was spreading to many different elevations and the snow was getting wet.

Not sure how this worked out, looks a bit sketchy.

This morning's weather observations taken at 06:00 hrs December 14, 2013.

2180meters    -4, winds 30-50 KPH from the SSW
1860 meters   -2, winds 25-50 KPH from the SSE
1835 meters   -2, winds 20-60 KPH from the SSE
1650 meters    0, no new snow, Base 81 cm
1550 meters    0, no new snow, Base 58 cm
  660 meters   +3, Valley Temp, .2 mm of precip yesterday

Another cloudy day with the potential for some light flurries as a moist Pacific airmass passes through today. A weak frontal system will move through tonight into Sunday morning with a strong westerly flow. High pressure will build Sunday evening into Monday. Next system is to arrive on Tuesday.
Lots of cloud around but not much precipitation. Guesstimates: Saturday 1-2 cm in upper elevations, Sunday flurries; Monday flurries. Models are in disagreement for Tuesday and beyond, so more on precipitation amounts tomorrow.



Online Gallery of Spearhead and Fitzsimmons Ranges: John Baldwin

Snowcat Drivers and Ski Tourer's having issues: France

Snow causing issues in the Middle East: Avalanches in Turkey

Elevated Avalanche Risk for Northern Rockies: CAC


Thanks to Junichi Matsunaga for these pictures and observations.

The first picture is the thin crust on surface ( they were everywhere on all of our operating elevations, we could not get away)
2nd pictures showed the pit I dug in Picnic. 2 x CTM11 down 30 cm SH FC 2mm. Shears were just under the ice laminate. 

Rime was very prevalent in the alpine yesterday. 

New Harmony lift opens today.

If you are skiing in the Alpine, remember there is not a lot of snow. Ski and ride with care!!

More Status cloud for Sunday into Monday. 

Drying out after Wednesday as of now, models will likely change slightly before then.