February 15, 2014

    Early turns February 14, 2014. 11 cm of fresh on a smooth surface.

    It was blowing and snowing at 08:30 hrs Friday Morning. 75 KPH from the South.

    Size 2 avalanche, Xe in Surfs Up. Size 1-2 Xe and Sc Friday morning during avalanche control.

    Debris ran almost to the flats.

    Late afternoon light on Friday.

Weather observations for February 15, 2014; taken at 06:00 Hrs.

2240 meters   -10, Winds were 20-40 KPH from the S
2180 meters     -9, Winds were 20-40 KPH from the S
1860 meters     -8, Winds were 20-40 KPH from the S
1835 meters     -7, Winds were 20-40 KPH from the S
1650 meters     -6, 1 cm of new snow, Base 176 cm 4 cm in 24 hours
1550 meters     -5, 1 cm of new snow, Base 138 cm 4 cm in 24 hours
  660 meters     -2, Valley Temp, 5.4 mm of precip yesterday

For the forecast the next vigorous frontal system will arrive later this afternoon with strong winds and heavy precipitation. Prior to its arrival we will experience unsettled conditions with some sunny breaks. The associated warm front will move through our area before another vigorous front arrives for Sunday morning into Sunday evening. Light snow can be expected Monday morning when a cold front will move into our zone with moderate to heavy snow for Monday night into Tuesday. As of now it appears that a cold air mass associated with a North West flow aloft will be the dominant factor starting Wednesday into Thursday. Guesstimates: 20-25 cm by Sunday morning, 25-30 cm by Monday morning, 10-15 cm by Tuesday morning, 20-25 cm by Wednesday morning.

    Yesterday morning's satellite image.

    A break in the weather Friday night into Saturday afternoon.

    The low in the Gulf of Alaska is moving further North West over the Aleutians for Monday.



Colorado Court Rules Inbounds Avalanches are Inherent Risk of Skiing: Recent Law Suit thrown Out

Avalanche Science: Uncovering Snow's deadly Secrets: BBC News

Avalanche Victim Credits Guide for her Survival: Wallowa Mountain Incident

Rescue of poor Deer under snow avalanche: Austria

Scottish Ski Resorts have had more snow than Sochi: Avalanche warning out to skiers

Highway 5 closed this morning for avalanche control: 07:00-12:00 Hours

Update on Ophir Pass Road Avalanche involvement: Silverton, Colorado

    ECT 5, sp, 55cm down on Feb 10, crust. 1 cm of 1mm facets on crust. NW aspect 1900 meters.  

    Facets were visible to the eye.

    Reservoir was down from all the water used last week.

    Cowboy ridge in some late afternoon light.

    Skiing in the never glades.