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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 19th, 2015–Nov 20th, 2015

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Kananaskis.

For a change we don't have a widespread weak layer to deal with. Having said that, we are finding pockets of weak windslab in alpine terrain. Watch unsupported terrain in the higher ranges of treeline & alpine.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

A day time high of -12 with light winds out of the north. No new snow is expected. The weekend will warm up slightly but remain dry.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches

Snowpack Summary

The moderate winds have formed windslabs in alpine terrain. Today, these were isolated to crossloaded terrain below ridgelines. In one instance, a 20cm thick, dense slab cracked and settled. A compression test in the area had easy results with a planar failure down 20cm. At treeline, the slabs are evident, but not as dense or reactive. Below treeline, the storm snow is bonding well with no distinct weak layers. At all elevations depths varied, but in general the treeline snow depth averages 70-100cm. As a whole, the snowpack is settling well with no widespread weak layer. Depth at Burstall Pass is 93cm, Burstall parking is 83cm & Highwood is 77cm.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.