January 13, 2014

Snowing lightly to the valley by 08:30 yesterday morning.

It was busy but the line ups were tolerable.

Great to ski some nice soft snow, the mountains are looking like they should in December, finally.

Xe size 2.5 on a slide path referred to as Prime Rib on Blackcomb. Stepped down to the summer firn.

Can see the crust facet interface in the picture. A size 3 Xe came out of the Hanging Roll on Whistler yesterday, reaching Highway 86. Size 1-3 Sc & Xe on both Whistler and Blackcomb yesterday, numerous size 1-1.5 in the storm snow with some isolated 2.5-3 avalanches stepping into the crust\facet interfaces.



Weather observations for January 13, 2014, taken at 06:00 Hrs.

2240 meters     -4, winds were 40-60KPH from the SSW
2180 meters  -3.5, winds were 20-60 KPH from the SSW
1860 meters  -3.5, winds were 20-50 KPH from the S
1835 meters     -3, winds were 50-75 KPH from the SSW
1650 meters    -.5, trace of new snow, Base 157 cm, 3 in 24 hours
1550 meters      0, trace of new snow, Base 128 cm, 3 cm in 24 hours
  660 meters    +3, Valley Temp, .7 mm of precipitation yesterday

For the forecast, a weak warm front will slowly exit our area today into tomorrow with mild and moist conditions.  Strong winds will persist for most of the day.  Drier weather is on its way for late tomorrow, will still be cloudy,  as a ridge of high pressure builds off the coast. Freezing level is presently at 1600 meters with showers in the valley. Dry warm weather is forecasted for the week, the next change may occur on Saturday as a trough pushes into our area with some moisture and cooler temperatures. More on that later. As of now it appears the ridge rebuilds for Sunday. Freezing levels may reach 3000 meters by Thursday and could go to 3500 meters by Friday, both days bringing sunny skies. May see 2-4 more cm of snow in the upper elevations before this warm front makes an exit. The sooner the better.



Sa Sz 1.5 on Whistler yesterday in Mumbling Rocks above Pica's Traverse, think about where you are going, especially on steep lee terrain where slabs tend to form. Today will be interesting as I am sure many people will be heading into the backcountry.  Many articles recently have been referring to the slack country or near country, terms that should not be used!! Once you leave the designated ski area boundary you are in the backcountry, period. Even within the ski area boundary, if you are in expert terrain you are skiing/riding in avalanche prone terrain. Be safe out there today, look at the results from avalanche control within the ski area boundary. Read the bulletin and understand what considerable means.  Numerous naturals were observed in the Duffy area yesterday from Saturday's storm.




Ski Areas confront boom of Free-Heel Freeloaders: The Spokesman Review

Idaho avalanche injures Utah Snowmobiler: Pacatello, Idaho

Strong winds close Bridger Bowl yesterday, crazy video of how strong: You Tube

Many natural and explosive released avalanches in the Crested Butte area: Colorado

Link to a site on Tree well deaths and snow immersion deaths, recently there has been a fatality in Whistler and one in Montana: Deepsnowsafety

Another shot of Prime Rib, ice is visible in the picture.

Strong winds around noon on Whistler at 1835 meters, gusts to 90 KPH from the S around 13:00 Hrs.Winds blew for most of the day, should be some wind slabs in the backcountry today.

Looking a lot like winter again.

Piling up in the lower elevations as well.

Great skiing in 7 Th Heaven.