Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 26th, 2015 3:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Once again we have a forecast telling us to expect a sharp rise in the freezing level. Watch for rising temperatures tomorrow and signs of local instability. Wet cliffs, pinwheeling or small loose wet avalanches are all indicators of rising temps.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Another clear day for tomorrow. Our forecasts are saying there will be a drastic change in freezing level. We are expecting it to rise to 2600m tomorrow afternoon. The winds will be mostly calm with the odd gust to 30km/hr. This warm spell is expected to stick around for awhile yet. The models suggest it will persist until Sunday night. After that it will stay clear, but cool off significantly.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new.

Snowpack Summary

The calm, cold, clear nights have promoted the growth of a new surface hoar layer. With the long clear spell ahead of us, this will continue to grow. Surface facetting has also become more noticeable in the last few days as well. Other than that the snowpack has seen little change, except for some settlement. Snow depth at Burstall parking lot is 65cm, Burstall Pass is 80cm and Highwood Pass is 64cm.

Problems

Wind Slabs

These slabs will linger for some time yet. Steep unsupported pockets remain the concern. With the predicted rise in freezing level, there is a chance the reactivity will increase on steep solar aspects.

Avoid cross loaded features.>Avoid unsupported slopes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 27th, 2015 2:00PM