December 27, 2013

A skier was buried in a soft slab avalanche and did not survive yesterday on legendary Cody Peak’s Pucker Face, second avalanche fatality in North America this season. More info on this incident in the article section below.

First light December 26, 2013. A very grey day, it slowly improved as the day went on.

Some separation from the low stratus cloud.

By the afternoon it was looking brighter.

By days end there were some breaks in the cloud.

Weather observations for December 27, 2013, taken at 06:00 Hrs.

2180 meters    -1, winds were 30-50 KPH from the SSW
1860 meters   -.5, winds were 30-50KPH from the SSE
1830 meters     0, winds were 15-50 KPH from the ESE
1650 meters   +2, no new snow, Base 90 cm
1550 meters   +3, no new snow, Base 64 cm
  660 meters   +2, Valley Temperatures; 3.6 mm of precip yesterday

For the forecast the SouthWesterly flow associated with a weak cold front  and upper level trough will move through by later this afternoon allowing the high pressure to redevelop and bring unsettled weather for Saturday into Sunday.  Saturday will bring a mix of sun and cloud, it will be mostly dry but cloudy Sunday as the Northwest flow affects our zone. Weak weather systems will approach the coast next week with mostly cloudy skies and at times light precip. Tuesday has the best chance of some sunny breaks. The models are in disagreement as to when these weak weather systems will arrive. Freezing levels will slowly drop from 1800 meters to 1200 meters today with the passing of the cold front. Freezing levels next week will fluctuate from 700 meters to 1200 meters.


Lately there have been many references to a dirty ridge, its when there is a "ridge" or area of high pressure that is not strong enough to keep us dry and cloud free. Weather disturbances with sufficient amplitude can inject clouds and precipitation into the northern portions of the ridge…that is what has been happening with our weather pattern over the past month. 

Out of bounds slide kills Jackson man: Wyoming

RCMP advising back country enthusiasts to be careful: British Columbia

Fall produces below average Snow Accumulation: Pique

Series of Avalanches across the Alps and Pyrenees; 2 more fatalities: France

Snowboarder dies in Italian Alps avalanche: Northern Italy Snow Storm






The High pressure is still at our doorstep. Certainly not helping our situation.

Satellite image for December 26Th. 12:00 Hrs.

Blackcomb Peak was looking great with some blue sky.

Old slab under Crystal Chair, skier accidental.

Some colour to the North at days end.

And to the South.