February 2, 2016

   An avalanche in Japan has killed a backcountry skier, story in articles below:  Snow Japan Pic

    Snowing lightly and overcast early Monday morning.

    Marine cloud layer made it feel cold in the morning. Started breaking around noon.

    Light snow flurries for most of the morning into the early afternoon. 2 cm recorded at 1560 meters.

   Snowmaking meets sun.

    Funnel cloud at around 16:43 Hours on Monday.

    By 16:46 it was morphing.

    Sunset February 1, 2016; was officially at 17:04.


Weather Observations for February 2, 2016: taken at 06:00 Hours.

2240 meters    -11, Winds were 10-20 KPH SSE    --Horstman Hut Station
2180 meters    -10, Winds were 10-15 KPH SSW   --Whistler Peak
1860 meters    -10, Winds were 15-20 KPH E         --Rendevous
1835 meters      -9, Winds were 5-10 KPH ESE      --Roundhouse
1650 meters      -9, Trace of new snow, trace in 24 hrs, 205 cm Base, RH 91%  --Pig Alley
1550 meters      -9, Trace of new snow, 2 cm in 24 hrs, 175 cm Base        --Catskinner 

  660 meters      -5, Valley Temp, Max Temp Yesterday was +1.7. 0 mm of Precip recorded

    As of 07:00 Hours this am we have broken cloud and unlimited visibility.


For the forecast, a very weak dissipating front will give us mostly cloudy skies, with some breaks, and the chance of some isolated convective flurries in a cool Northwesterly flow aloft. The Freezing Level will remain below surface. For Wednesday a weak warm front will move onshore with the FL hovering around 1000 meters and light snowfall. Thursday will be overcast and bring light snow to the area, with the FL hovering in the 1000 meter range. Friday, a vigorous system moves onshore with the bulk of the snow coming in the evening. Saturday at this time is looking unsettled.
Guesstimates: 0-2 for Wednesday morning, 8-12 cm for Thursday morning, 4-6 cm for Friday morning, 20-30 cm for Saturday morning.

    Mostly cloudy for today.

    Weak front moving onshore.

    Weak warm front for Wednesday. FL hovering around 1000 meters.

    More vigorous front Friday. Heavy snow to the valley. FL as of now 1200 meters.

    High pressure builds for Saturday.



ARTICLES:

Backcountry skier dies in an avalanche near Katashina Village: Japan

Alberta Avalanche accidentally triggered during avalanche assessment: Icefield Parkway

Avalanche Investigation Unfinished: Globe&Mail

Avalanche Danger hits new heights: Norway

Tatum Monod's backcountry safety tips: RedBull

BC Chief Coroner expects to know cause of deadly avalanche: CTV News

Steamboat patrol share expertise during China Mission: Colorado

Coast Mountain Backcountry Report: January 31, 2016

   Moist marine layer yesterday morning.

    Very light snow in the trees.

    Some great light later in the afternoon.

    Snow quality yesterday was awesome.

    Tree line cornice control.