Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Oct 25th, 2016 4:47PM

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

rbuhler, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Snow is beginning to add up in Alpine areas. Consider bringing avalanche safety gear on climbing, skiing and mountaineering objectives.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

Dribs and drabs on new snow will continue to fall over the next few days and weeks and the current avalanche problems will continue to develop.Â Windslabs are the main concern at this time and following snowfalls, loose dry may also be a concern.

Avalanche Summary

A few loose dry avalanches in alpine terrain up to sz 1.5Â These have mainly been occurring in steeper climbing terrain especially on N and E aspects

Snowpack Summary

Up to 40cm of snow is now being observed at 2400m and above.Â This new snow is settling with the warm fall temperatures but we can expect that it will hang out with us for the season now!Â Winds at the upper elevations have created pockets of windslabs along ridgelines and in gullied terrain.Â A failures in these windslabs will not likely result in a large avalanches but there is certainly potential for accidents within ice climbing terrain as well as you would get really banged up being dragged and bounced along the ground with all of the early season hazards.Â Storms at this time of the year will also produce numerous loose dry slides that travel far so be aware for this potential after a snowfall.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs in immediate lees in Alpine areas. Small slabs can become dangerous in certain terrain such as ice climbing areas or on the approaches to the bases of routes. Be mindful of terrain traps & locations where you could be pushed over a cliff

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Carry avalanche safety equipment on ice climbs in avalanche terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Oct 26th, 2016 4:47PM