The National Weather Service Forecasts-

TODAY...SUNNY. AREAS OF LOW CLOUDS AND DENSE FOG IN THE MORNING. VISIBILITY REDUCED TO ONE QUARTER MILE OR LESS AT TIMES. HIGHS AROUND 38. LIGHT WINDS...EXCEPT DOWNTOWN JUNEAU AND DOUGLAS NORTHEAST WIND 10 TO 20 MPH DIMINISHING IN THE AFTERNOON.

TONIGHT...MOSTLY CLEAR. PATCHY FOG. LOWS 22 TO 28. NORTHEAST
WIND 10 MPH.

FRIDAY...PARTLY CLOUDY. PATCHY FOG IN THE MORNING. HIGHS AROUND 34. NORTHEAST WIND 5 TO 15 MPH.

Well, it may not be great powder snow, but at least it appears to be heading towards WINTER again.

Yesterday was the first day since January 13th that we have seen freezing temperatures at the Mt Roberts Tram Summit and as we head into the weekend it appears to be cooling even a little more.

There is no significant precip in the forecast... but at least we will slow the big thaw for a few days.

We have received almost 10\" of rain since the 13th which really consolidated the snowpack. It remains quite stable at this time.

With cooling temperatures in the forecast it should get even stronger over the weekend.

If you like Ice Skating it looks like we might be heading towards some good conditions for you... Time to sharpen the blades and prepare for the weekends cold. ENJOY!~

Avalanche Transceiver Advice

Wear your transceiver under your outermost layer. Wear your transceiver under your jacket but do not bury it under too many layers, you may need to get to it in a hurry. Remember a transceiver worn just below the waterproof layer will be exposed if the layer is taken off when climbing and could then be torn off by the force of the avalanche. In addition to keeping the beeper secure wearing your transceiver under your jacket will allow body heat to keep it warm aiding battery life.

Do not put a transceiver in your rucksack as this may be torn off by the force of an avalanche, and will result in only your rucksack being saved by the rescue services

Mobile Phones - It has been found that mobile phones can interfere with the electromagnetic fields of a transceiver, especially in search mode. You will need to call for rescue services in the event of an accident so keep your phone with you but make sure it is separated from your transceiver.

Batteries - Use new batteries at the start of the season, test and change frequently

Practice - you can train in your local park or even in the back garden. The time to learn how your beeper works is not when your friend is buried. The search should almost be reflexive.

Remember - an avalanche transceiver is the only device that permits a group to perform their own search and rescue operation in the minimum amount of time. It is not a substitute for knowledge and safe off-piste practices.