February 6, 2019

   YESTERDAY:

    Early Tuesday morning.

    Snowmaking in the valley.

    Variable snow surfaces depending on aspect and elevation.

    A few clouds driffted by in the morning.

    Nice looking turns in Carona.

   Another cold clear day, warmed up in the afternoon--High of -8.3 Deg C at 14:30 Hrs at 1835 m.

    Wind affected.  Image from Matt McRea from Ex Can AST course.

    Big fat whales in the valley, great man made snow.

    Some nice snow in the Poop Chutes.

    Sunset was at 17:11, gaining 3 minutes of day light per day.



Weather Observations for February 6, 2019 taken at 06:00 Hours.

2240 meters     -16, Winds were 35-55 KPH E--Horstman Hut
2180 meters     -16, Winds were 25-40 KPH N--Whistler Peak
1860 meters     -13, Winds were 25-45 KPH NNE--Rendevous
1835 meters     -14, Winds were 10-15 KPH N--Round House
1650 meters     -15, 0 cm of new, 0 cm in 24 hrs, Base 259 cm--Pig Alley
1565 meters     -14, 0 cm of new, 0 cm in 24 hrs, Base 188 cm--Catskinner

  660 meters     -17, Valley Temp, Max temp Yesterday was -7.4, 0.0 mm of precip recorded yest

Winds were 50-75 N last night at 22:00 hrs at 2240 meters

    As of 07:00 hrs this am we have clear skies and unlimited visibility.


FORECAST:

 High pressure will prevail for today in a Northerly flow aloft. Temperatures have moderated slightly, we may see some cloud move in later tonight. Cloudy Thursday as a low pushes onshore with some flurries expected later in the day. Friday will see more flurries and overcast skies with temperatures dropping again into Saturday morning. Unsettled Saturday morning with the ridge rebuilding for the afternoon. Uncertain on the outcome for Saturday so stand by until we get closer. As of now Sunday into Monday looks bitterly cold and clear. Guesstimates: trace-2 cm by Friday morning, trace-3 cm by Saturday morning.

    GOES IR image from this am.

    Low & High out in the Pacific, Arctic front along the coast.

    Fronts along the coast.

    Low moves inland, high migrates to the North, Arctic Front recedes east slightly.

    Low on Vancouver Island, Arctic Front returns, snow amounts ? Time will tell.

    Cold temperatures for Saturday with the low still a possible snow producer.


     AVALANCHE ACTIVITY:

    An avalanche has killed a snowshoer near Les Millets, Switzerland, Article below.    Net Pic

    South aspect Whistler backcountry 1900 meters Sa Sz 1.5-- 20 cm to 1 meter crown,  stiff slab.

    Could have been a nasty ride!!

    Broke above the skier as he was crossing the slope.

    Lots of small natural releases on reverse loaded slopes.

   Avalanche control on Blackcomb yesterday am, Xh mostly Sz 0 but some Sz 1's.

    Sz 1's Xh Lower Bony Basin

    Some perspective.

    Serac collapse on Armchair.                                                                                         Toby Salin Pic


    INFORMATION & OBSERVATIONS:

    Spin drift yesterday, winds were 30-50 KPH yesterday at 2240 meters mostly Northerly.

    Even small features were having a release yesterday.

    Skiing in permanent closures can cost you your pass for one year, including the bike park!!

    Yes, with some of the activity out there !!

    Cornices continue to grow and are being sculpted.

    Variable wind directions messed up many slopes.

    Blowing snow, variable wind directions Tuesday 35-45 KPH mostly Northerly.  Matt McRae Pic

    Big party at the Longhorn, another Auzzie day?

From Avalanche Canada MIN Reports:

Anif Peak: Feb 4, 2019

Heart Strings: Feb 5, 2019


Video- Stiff wind slab on Mount Fee yesterday: Chris Rasman Instagram


ARTICLES:

An avalanche has killed a snowshoer near Les Millets in Fribourg: Switzerland

Large avalanche triggered: Rogers Pass

Avalanche control forces closure of Little Cottonwood Canyon: Utah

Park City man survives deadly avalanche: Montana

Colorado has more avalanche deaths than any other state: USA

California Ski resorts close after getting too much snow: Mammoth

7 Feet in 7 Days: Tahoe Area

Special Weather Statement: Whistler