Sunday brought a weak high-pressure system to SW British Columbia. High pressures bring cold, clear nights and tighten up the snowpack. The results we had observed yesterday in the high alpine looked good so we took the opportunity of touring Blackcomb sidecountry.

The day started off with shovelling 80cms of snow off the wheels and the driveway plus excavating a path to the road.  Click here for more http://www.leelau.net/2006/blackcomb14-171206/index#blackcombdec15

Unknown skier taken from the Crystal Chair

MORE HERE http://www.leelau.net/2006/blackcomb23241106/index.htm

 Some assorted observations:

At 1800m on Lesser Flute on NW slope 24 11 06 - at 12 12 pm. HS is about 205cms on ridgeline lee slope. There's much more on the windloaded NW aspects. No distinct layering detected with coarse probing. No layers till about 135cms - top 135 cms is fist density - insanely light.

Whistler Opening Day - November 18, 2006

The rain crust deterred any touring. Well, to be perfectly honest, the thought of skiing some Whistler gnar with that much new snow with my good friends also helped me make the decision to use my pass and get my first day in. Hit the tram at five to 8am and we're still lined up outside the corral. It's going to be tough hunting dicing it out with all the locals. Luckily there's lots of fresh meat still stumbling around trying to get their first legs of the season so powder hunting goes well.

BLACKCOMB UNOFFICIAL OPENING DAY - NOVEMBER 17, 2006

A big storm hit Vancouver on Wednesday the 15th as two big systems battled it out over Vancouver. Record-breaking rainfall and 140 kmh winds brought down trees, cut off power, and melted our igloos. Meanwhile skiers laughed and burned offerings and praised Ullr for all gifts.