November 28, 2015

    Size 1 wet snow avalanche over Lakeside Traverse from Thursday, likely later in the day.

    Man made snow storm Whistler Village, Friday November 27, 2015.

    Lower Mountain guns enjoying the -9 temperature early in the morning.

   Glide crack in Burnt Stew getting bigger.

    Found evidence of buried surface hoar at 2000 meters N aspect, 30 cm above ground on crust.

    100 cm column with a 1.5 cm crust 30 cm from the ground.

    Exposed brittle crust with wind blown snow.

    Skin track up body bag Bowl.



Weather Observations for November 28, 2015: taken at 06:00 Hours.

2240 meters      +3, Winds were 10-12 KPH SE   --Horstman Hut Station
2180 meters      +5, Winds were 10-15 KPH NE  --Whistler Peak
1860 meters      +6, Winds were 0-5 KPH SSE  --Rendevous
1835 meters      +4, Winds were 0-5 KPH SSW  --Roundhouse
1650 meters      +2, 0 cm of new, 79 cm Base, Relative Humidity 23%  --Pig Alley
1550 meters      +4, ? cm of new, 49 cm Base  --Catskinner 

  660 meters       -9, Valley Temp, Max Temp Yesterday was +1.

    As of 07:00 Hours we have clear skies and unlimited visibility.

For the forecast, ground hog day, although the high pressure will begin to weaken Sunday and migrate Eastward we are still in a dry Northeast flow aloft. Should see a change Monday afternoon (some clouds) as a series of Pacific frontal systems move onshore Tuesday in a Southwest flow aloft. The freezing level will slowly descend over the next couple of days reaching 1000 meters by Monday night with unsettled conditions. There is a chance of some snow showers Monday evening into Tuesday afternoon before the first frontal band truly arrives Tuesday evening. A break with unsettled weather for Wednesday then another front for Thursday. Freezing levels will fluctuate from 1000-1500 meters in this time period. Still to early to guesstimate but Thursday is looking like a good storm day with 20-30cm in the alpine by Friday morning.

    Ridge will be pushed Eastward Monday.

    High pressure with warm temperatures for today.

    Low pressure will be knocking at our door by Monday evening. Light winds for today.

    First frontal wave for Tuesday, will be the best chance of snow to the valley.


ARTICLES:

Update on Ophir Brothers surviving massive avalanche: TellurideDaily Planet

Be aware in the Backcountry: Carolyn Grant

One Backcountry skier missing in Hatcher Pass: Alaska

Avalanche destruction potential cannot be ignored-Coroner: Australia

Skiers and hunters warned of avalanche danger: Montana

    Thanks to Mike and Christy for the profile below.

    Folks playing in lower Body Bag.

    Easy access out of the backcountry from lower Body Bag.

    Table Top Mountain and a very shiny variably distributed wind exposed brittle crust.

                 Event tonight, come check it out!!