February 7, 2016

    An avalanche in Austria has killed 5 people after a large group was buried, story in article section.

      Sz 2.5 out of Sun Bowl yesterday, cornice drop from avalanche control created a slab avalanche

    Fracture line at 1900 meters NE aspect on Jan 28 Ifrc/Fc.                                Tim Haggerty Photos

    First lift up yesterday morning.

    Awesome conditions.

    Unsettled for most of the day with some great light.

    Some wind affect near Cowboy Ridge. Maximum winds during storm--180 KPH.

   Avalanche control on WB yesterday produced mostly Sz 1.5 to 2 Xe storm slab, 1 Sz 2.5 Pers Slab.

    When it snows the riders will come!!

    Fitting end to an awesome day.


Weather Observations for February 7, 2016: taken at 06:00 Hours.

2240 meters     -7, Winds were 25-45 KPH SSE     --Horstman Hut Station
2180 meters     -8, Winds were 25-30 KPH SSW    --Whistler Peak
1860 meters     -5, Winds were 10-12 KPH SE        --Rendevous
1835 meters     -5, Winds were 10-30 KPH SSE      --Roundhouse
1650 meters     -5, trace of new snow, 2 cm in 24 hrs, 245 cm Base, RH 92%  --Pig Alley
1550 meters     -5, 0 cm of new snow, 2 cm in 24 hrs, 198 cm Base        --Catskinner 

  660 meters     -1, Valley Temp, Max Temp Yesterday was +4.0. 5.2 mm of Precip recorded

   As of 07:00 Hrs we have overcast skies and unlimited visibility.


For the forecast, a weak warm front this morning will give us mostly overcast skies with the chance of some very light precipitation. The Freezing level is expected to gradually rise today and reach 2000+ meters by this evening. A very warm high pressure system from the South will bring unsettled conditions to our zone for Monday thru Tuesday with a mix of sun and cloud in a dry air mass. The FL will reach well above the local peaks (high as 3800 meters) for Monday into Tuesday.  An upper level low forms over the NE Pacific for Wednesday, a warm front will push into our zone in the morning with light precipitation and a FL of around 2000 meters which will gradually drop to 1700 meters by the evening. The remainder of the week looks warm and wet. Stay tuned for possible changes as the week progresses. Guesstimates: 1-3 cm by Monday morning.

Natural avalanches up to Sz 3 were observed in the Sea to Sky Corridor yesterday during the storm, avalanche control on WB did produce soft slabs with Xe and Sc yesterday morning, Sz 1-2.

    Overcast this morning into this evening, ridge builds tomorrow.

    Clouds moving in this morning.

    High pressure moves In Monday and Tuesday.

    Warm and dry for Monday, with some broken cloud.

   Warm front for Wednesday.

    Warm and wet Thursday into Friday.


ARTICLES:

Massive Avalanche in the Austrian Alps has killed 5 people: Wattener Lizum Region

17 Czech Ski Tourers did not heed hut keepers warning: Tyrol, Austria

More info on the snow biker that was killed in an avalanche: Colorado

Avalanches make for a deadly January in North America: Pique

Avalanche warning this Family Day Weekend for backcountry enthusiasts: CKNW News

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report: February 6, 2016

   Satellite image from yesterday morning.

    Lots going on in the Pacific.

    High pressure will deflect lows to the North of our Zone.

    A new surface.

    Some of the steeps were filled in nicely.

    Skier cross on Blackcomb was well attended.

    Snow quality yesterday was as good as it gets!!

    Blackcomb Bowl at sunset.