March 21, 2014

    Early Thursday morning, first day of spring.

Lots of cloud around but a nice looking day March 20, 2014.

Cumulus clouds and lots of convection in the afternoon.

    Natural cornice release near Ipsoot.

    Large cumulus clouds over the Fitzsimmons valley Thursday afternoon.

    Sunset on the first day of Spring 2014.


Weather observations for March 21, 2014, taken at 06:00 hrs this am.

2240 meters       -14, Winds were calm
2180 meters       -10, Winds were 10-15 KPH from the SSE
1860 meters       -12, Winds were 3-5 KPH from the E
1835 meters       -11, Winds were 0-5 KPH from the S
1650 meters       -10, Trace of new snow, Base 260 cm
1550 meters         -8, Trace of new snow, Base 205 cm
  660 meters         -4, Valley Temperature, Max temp yesterday +6.1


For the forecast we can expect some thin cloud around this am which should burn off fairly quickly once the sun comes out. Today will be mostly sunny with dry and cool conditions. A very weak frontal system will move into our zone tomorrow morning into Saturday evening. An upper level ridge rebuilds for Sunday into Monday. Several frontal bands will begin to influence our area as early as Monday afternoon bringing cloudy and showery weather for next week.  Guesstimates: Possible for 1-2 cm of light snow for Saturday, 1-2 cm for Monday, 2-4 cm by Tuesday morning, 10-12 cm by Wednesday morning.

Presently scattered cloud and unlimited visibility in the alpine.

Avalanche activity in the corridor yesterday included size 2.5 Na to the north of the corridor, size 1.5 Xe , size 2 cornice failure, size 2 Sc, size 1 Sc, size 1 Na solar aspect.

    Satellite picture form early Thursday morning, stayed fairly cloudy in the zone for most of the day.






Hello Wayne - I'm a frequent visitor to your blog, very informative. 

Skier triggered size one avalanche on N side of rainbow mtn 1800m (Steep wind loaded terrain released by a rocky feature) S aspects were completely fried and refrozen by the ski out W aspects go some late sun and might also have a crust depending on steepness. Treeline snow was generally much better than alpine due to wind affect. 

Cheers

Jeff Norman

Grizzly bear sited in Banff National Park, sure sign of spring: Do not forget, they are omnivores

What causes an Avalanche: Earth Unplugged

Up to 14 inches of new snow welcomes the first day of spring: Eastern Skiing

Spate of Avalanche Deaths prompts review: Parks Canada

Backcountry snowmobilers shift focus: Avalanche courses have helped





Video Fridays

Snow Talks, March 20, 2014: Albi Sole

GoPro filming just got better: Vimeo

Avoiding an avalanche while speed kiting: Great Footage from Chamonix

    Size 2 Sc near Ipsoot.

    Size 1 Na later in the day South aspect March 20, 2014.

    Size 1 Sc, Northwest aspect, sled skiers Miller Ridge.

    Slashing the pow, great snow on some aspects yesterday.

    Launching off the diving board.

    Big shadow!!

   Sending it on the second cliff drop.

    Some convective sun flurries yesterday afternoon.