January 14, 2014

Riding up the lifts it was obvious from the tree debris the winds were howling Sunday Night at 1800 M

Visibility was not deterring many from going to Spanky's. T-Bars closed for the day.

Stratus layer in the valley was lifting during the day. At times there was good visibility between 2000 and 1700 meters. High clouds were also thick and moist.

A brief moment when you could see the Peak of Whistler. Peak chair closed for the day.

Sun tried to pop out later in the day Monday.


Weather observations for Tuesday, January 14, 2014; observations taken at 06:00 Hrs.

2240 meters     -4, winds were 15-30 KPH from the S
2180 meters     -3, winds were 35-50 KPH from the SSW
1860 meters     -3, winds were 20-40 KPH from the SSW
1835 meters     -2, winds were 20-40 KPH from the SSW
1650 meters      0, No new snow, Base 153 cm
1550 meters      0, No new snow, Base 122 cm
  660 meters    +4, Valley Temp, 1.5 mm yesterday


Today we will see mostly cloudy conditions as the moist westerly flow continues to pass over the area, the occasional flurry is possible. The ridge starts to build late Wednesday, still cloudy, strengthens for Thursday with mostly sunny skies. May be a few more clouds on Friday, but remaining dry. A very weak front will bring clouds for Saturday into Sunday. The ridge appears to rebuild on Monday. Freezing levels do not look good for snow making. Lowering today to 1200 meters by days end. On Wednesday the FL raises progressively through the day to 2500 meters. Thursday and Friday has the potential to go to 3500 meters. Returns to values around 1000 meters by Sunday.

Avalanche control on Whistler Blackcomb yesterday produced some size 1 results with Xe and Sc. Two larger results with Xe, one size 2.5 and one 2. Some stubborn slabs have formed.

Trough forecasted for Saturday, looks very weak.

Satellite image from yesterday afternoon.

Moisture from the South heading to Northern BC will bring cloudy conditions to our zone.





Lift Baskets, new product designed in Vancouver: Touring Pole Basket

Avalanche covers Highway 16 near BC-Alberta border: Calgary Herald

Avalanche danger closes Trans Canada out of Revelstoke: BC Local News

In-bounds avalanche on Whistler Mountain: Pique

More information on Backcountry Skier's and Rider's Code of Ethics: Wild Snow

Skier dies after fall into tree well at Whitefish: Montana

Avalanche closure on the Peak, here is the signage at the Saddle.

Thick wind slab formed Sunday night on many aspects.

You could ski through the bottom of this wind feature on Friday.

Not much separation between the mid mountain and high clouds.