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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: Kakwa, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Renshaw, Robson.

Continuously assess conditions as you move through terrain. Watch for signs of instability.

New snow amounts vary through the region, there's uncertainty in reactivity of surface hoar.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

Several rider triggered slab avalanches have been reported in this region. Take a look at this MIN detailing Avalanches in the Torpy. We suspect that these avalanches ran on one of the surface hoar layers in the top meter of the snowpack.

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm snow has been redistributed into wind slab near ridge crests by southerly winds. Below treeline a new crust is on or near the surface.

The mid pack contains several layers of note; a layer of surface hoar and a crust down 20 to 30 cm , a significant crust from the early December rain event down around 50 cm and a layer of surface hoar down 60 to 100 cm.

Snowpack depth throughout this region is highly variable and as a result the depths of the above mentioned layers are approximate and could be different than what you find in your riding area.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Mostly clear skies with no new snow expected, southeast alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -7°C.

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud with no new snow expected,  southeast alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -4°C.

Monday

Mostly sunny with no new snow expected, southeast alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, freezing level rising to 2000 m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 25 to 60 km/h, freezing level around 2000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Carefully assess open slopes and convex rolls where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices at this time.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

Buried surface hoar remains rider triggerable. This layer is a concern in areas where a significant crust is not found above it.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs remain sensitive to rider traffic at treeline and above.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2