March 13, 2014

    First light yesterday morning, fog on Green Lake.

    Great light yesterday morning, fast conditions.

    The moraine at the end of Fitzsimmons Valley is a usual producer.

    West Cirque was smooth and chalky March 12, 2014.

Weather observations for March 13, 2014; taken at 06:00 hrs this am.

2240 meters      -9, Winds were 15-20 KPH from the S
2180 meters      -8, Winds were 15-20 KPH from the S
1860 meters      -6, Winds were 20-25 KPH from the SSE
1835 meters      -7, Winds were 5-10 KPH from the E
1650 meters      -6, 1 cm of new snow, Base 238 cm
1550 meters      -4, 1 cm of new snow, Base 190 cm
  660 meters      -3, Valley Temperature, Max temp yesterday +10

For the forecast more cloud than sun, (sunny periods this am) precipitation will begin later in the day as a West flow aloft brings a frontal band with light precipitation. This front will dissipate tomorrow morning with very light snow flurries in its wake. A slow moving, intense front will bring moderate to heavy snow to our area for Saturday and linger into Sunday with light precipitation. All the models have come to a consensus on this Southwest flow for Saturday.  As of now an upper level ridge will build for early next week. We can expect unsettled conditions on Monday with sun by Tuesday. Guesstimates: 3-5 cm for Friday morning, 6-8 cm by Saturday morning, 20-30 cm by Sunday morning, 12-15 cm by Monday morning.
Freezing levels should fluctuate slightly between frontal bands but hover between 1000-1300 meters.

    Low pressure looks ideal for a quick intense impulse of snow for Saturday into Sunday.



Avalanche investigation at site of fatality March 11, 2014 near Cooke city: Montana

Mount Jumbo Avalanche Investigation: Missoula Avalanche Center

Crystal Mountain will sell chairs from # 6 lift damaged by avalanche: High Campbell Chairlift

Two killed in backcountry avalanches this past weekend: Montana

Quick responses save Invermere man caught in avalanche: British Columbia

Climber fell 1,000 Ft in Avalanche on Ben Nevis: Scotland

New video on Crystal Mountain Avalanche: Vimeo

    There were some great looking clouds forming in the afternoon.

    A frontal band did reach us by noon.

    It was very ominous looking mid day.

    Some cool lenticulars by days end March 12, 2014.