23 Mar 2015

March 23, 2015

    Avalanche has killed two sledders near McBride B.C. Story in article section.                   Net Pic

    Low level cloud in the valley early Sunday March 22, 2015.

    Some cool colours at first light on Sunday morning.

    Peak of Whistler first light Sunday morning.

    Seriously dark layer Sunday morning South of lesser ring.

    The front moved in bringing cloudy conditions in the afternoon with light precipitation.


Weather Observations for March 23, 2015; taken at 06:00 Hours.

2240 meters     -8, Winds were 15-25 KPH from the SSE
2180 meters     -5, Winds were 10-15 KPH from the SSW
1860 meters     -6, Winds were 10-15 KPH from the E
1835 meters     -4, Winds were 5-15 KPH from the S
1650 meters     -2, 6 cm of new snow, 1 cm in 24 hours, Base 185 cm
1550 meters     -2, 6 cm of  new snow, Base 132 cm,  Relative Humidity 98%. 
  660 meters    +3, Valley Temp, Max Temp Yesterday was +9.5, 1.2 mm recorded on Sunday

    As of 07:00 Hrs at 1835m we have broken cloud and unlimited visibility, cloudy below 1600m.

Large avalanche cycle Saturday-Sunday in the Whistler area, numerous size 1-2.5 avalanches observed in HST some stepping down into March 11 crust/facet PWL. Some images and observations below.


For the forecast, a weak upper level and surface trough will bring unsettled weather to the area today in a Southwesterly flow aloft. The freezing level should rise to 1500 meters during the day dropping to 1100 meters this evening. There is the possibility of some isolated showers during the day. A very weak ridge will build for Tuesday but with the low pressure so close we will see unsettled conditions but drier that today in a Northwesterly flow aloft. A warm front moves into the area on Wednesday
with the FL rising from 1200 meters to 2000 meters by Wednesday night. The front will bring cloudy conditions with light precipitation and a rising Fl into Thursday morning. (2500 meters)  A weak high pressure builds into the area Thursday afternoon with unsettled conditions through to Friday evening. A warm frontal band is expected on Saturday with moderate precipitation. Guesstimates: trace to 2 cm above 1000 meters by Wednesday morning, 3-5 cm above 1800 meters by Thursday morning.


     Image from late Sunday afternoon.

    Big picture from Sunday afternoon.

    Should see unsettled conditions later this morning.

    NAM model for Today.

    Surface high builds for Tuesday with unsettled conditions.

    Warm front for Wednesday in a Westerly flow.

    High pressure builds for Thursday and Friday with cloud spilling into the area from the Low.


ARTICLES:

Two snowmobilers killed in an avalanche near McBride: Global News

Large avalanche reports-Avalanche Canada: ACMG Blog

'Dismal' snowpack may be new normal in the Northwest: Washington State

J&K opposition demands compensation for avalanche victims: Kashmir, India

Evidence of huge avalanche in the Cairngorms: Scotland


Intel from Doug Tuck up on the Duffy:
Size 3.5. With a better look it could be a 4. FL 400X.8m est. Suspect the March 11th FCxrCR layer. Likely occurred mid afternoon Saturday during a heavy convective shower judging from the lack of snow on the bed surface. Sorry about the poor photo quality. Cell phone through the binoculars.
Cheers
Doug Tuck


   NE face of Joffre March 22, 2015                                                                           Doug Tuck Image

Thanks for the intel Pat:
Taken around 1130am today, started by 2 skiers who skied the line through the center of it but it didnt initiate til they were at the bottom of the slope already. Class 1~1.5?  Pat


    Traverse from Don't Swill to Husume March 22, 2015.                                         Patrick Hui Image

Thanks for the photo from Steve Papas, different angle of avalanche from above.
A shot from 11:30 yesterday morning, significant warming occurring.  Second skier set it off, skied away.
That's what you get for closing those 8's! Steve Papas

    Figure 8's into an avalanche, Sunday March 22, 2015.                                       Steve Papas Image

Info from Tasso Lazaridis Snow profile on Mels/K2 in Ruby Bowl March 22, 2015 at 13:00 Hours. CTE 1 & CTM 11, 80 cms down.


    3 Natural avalanches out on the Pemberton Ice Cap Sunday morning, likely occurred Saturday Aft.

    Cornice released avalanches on the ice cap.

    Some awesome light early Sunday morning.

    Geese flying West over the ice cap Sunday afternoon.

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