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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 23rd, 2023–Dec 24th, 2023
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.

Up to 20cm of snow fell last night in a short, but intense upslope storm. This new snow and the deeper rain crust have combined to make travel easier and ski quality better. 'bout time!

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

We were a bit surprised to see a fairly widespread natural cycle this morning. Lots of sluffs and loose dry avalanches, but the real story is the storm/wind slabs that are out there. There were numerous sz2 to 2.5 slabs noted today. All were below large cliffs, had wide propagations and enough mass to travel far.

Snowpack Summary

We ended up getting 15-20cm late last night/early this morning. It came in with very little wind and so far that remains the case. There is a Dec 23rd interface, but we are still unsure of the quality of this bond. Today at Murray Moraines it was well bonded, except for below large cliffs. See avalanche summary. The Dec crust is getting deeper bit by bit. At the moment it is down 30-40cm and a whopping 15-20cm thick. Interestingly, this crust is what's allowing our snowpack to not be complete chaos. It is extremely solid and supportive up to at least 2350m. Eventually it will break down and leave us hanging, but for now its gluing everything together.

Weather Summary

Looks like a nice, cold day is in store for tomorrow. Mostly clear skies, light SW winds, morning low of -20 and a daytime high of -10.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Avoid rock outcroppings, convexities, and anywhere the snowpack is thin and/or variable.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

This latest snow has formed storm slabs, but given the incoming wind we're just going to call them wind slabs. Expect rapid loading when the winds arrive.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Be mindful of the weak layers towards the base of the snowpack. Thin rocky areas may propagate out to thicker areas.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3