Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 18th, 2013 3:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Continuing light snowfall and moderate to strong W-SW winds will maintain a slow steady increase in Avalanche Danger. Lots of early season hazards to travel cautiously. Getting much colder again by midweek - days are short and the nights are long.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

An arctic air mass is sitting over most of the province. A low pressure system developing along the arctic front will continue to produce light snow. Westerly wind values will be in the moderate to strong range. Colder arctic air will slip southwards dropping temps over the next 48 hours but light snowfalls and mod-strong winds will persist in our forecast area on Tuesday with temperatures dropping to -20 at least on Wednesday.

Avalanche Summary

Limited obs due to obscured conditions.

Snowpack Summary

Fresh new wind slabs forming along ridge crests and in gully features due to redistribution by wind action.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Fresh storm slabs will continue to develop in Alpine terrain with recent snow and winds. Winds are forecasted to reach into the strong range overnight again and on into Tuesday.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Watch for loose dry sluffing out of steeper terrain.� This will be important for Ice climbers to note as they are often in the pinch point of the hourglass where smaller sluffs can have big consequences.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>Choose ice climbs that are not exposed to avalanches from above.>Carry avalanche safety equipment on ice climbs in avalanche terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 19th, 2013 2:00PM