December 26, 2014

    Stratus layer shrouded the valley Xmas morning.

    There was some awesome light yesterday morning, ice crystals  refracting the light.

    There were light shows everywhere.

    Surface hoar at tree line grew quickly in 24 hours.

    Sunset December 25, 2014.

Weather observations for December 26, 2014, taken at 06:00 Hours this Am.

2240 meters    -11, Winds were 15-25 KPH from the SSE
2180 meters      -8, Winds were 15-20 KPH from the S
1860 meters      -7, Winds were 10-20 KPH from the ENE
1835 meters      -7, Winds were 10-20 KPH from the S
1650 meters      -8, No new snow,  Base 125 cm
1550 meters      -7, No new snow. Relative Humidity 90%, Base 90 cm

  660 meters      -7, Valley Temp, Max Temp Yest +1

    As of 07:00 Hrs this am we have high cirrus cloud and unlimited visibility.


For the forecast, unsettled conditions again for today with some cloud slipping into the area from the low to the North.  A very weak low pressure system will bring cloudier conditions late in the day with light snow to the valley Friday night into Saturday morning. A strong high pressure begins to affect the area Saturday evening and we should see sunny skies and colder temperatures for Monday into Tuesday. Sunday will be unsettled, but mostly sunny. Guesstimates: 3-5 cm by Saturday morning, 6-8 cm by Saturday night.

    Became cloudier in the afternoon, Xmas day.

   Surface high pressure for today in the interior will bring unsettled conditions to our area.

     Low pressure will bring cloud tonight with light snow to the valley.

         Cold temperatures for Sunday. 850 mb is equivalent to 5000 ft or 1500 meters -10 to -14.




Video Fridays:


Whister SAR Rescue from last weekend: Global News

0 Avalanche Final; Ken Wylie: Mountain Story

Fat Free-Fat Bike Freeriding: Filmed near Whistler

Coast Mountain Backcountry Report, December 20, 2014: Escape Route

Sledding on Sproat Mountain: Dec 24, 2014




ARTICLES:

Snow Avalanche stopped by a Catching Dam: Iceland

More details on France's First Avalanche Fatality of the Season: Pistehors.com

Rising Avalanche Danger in BC: Avalanche Canada


Some information from the grapevine. Avalanche involvement in Grizzly Bowl. Buried individual was found by spotting his air bag under the snow. He was buried for ten minutes, unconscious when dug out. Revived, vomited and snowmobiled from the scene.

    The stratus cloud layer was very thick December 25, 2014.

    Stratus layer eventually dissipated and cirrus clouds formed later in the day.

    Santa taking a rest!!

    Cold temperatures will allow snow making to resume production into the valley.