Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Oct 18th, 2013 3:00PM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Avalanche Season is just starting. The main concern at this time is pockets of windslabs in Alpine terrain. These problems are commonly found in ice climbing terrain so be sure to carefully evaluate climbing routes and overhead terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Dribs and drabs of new snow will continue to fall over the next few weeks as winter slowly arrives. Watch for rapid rises in temperature to above freezing with associated rain. This will increase associated avalanche danger.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche observations.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30cm of snow in alpine terrain. Pockets of windslabs and hardslabs in Alpine areas.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Isolated pockets of windslabs should be expected in lee features in Alpine terrain. Small avalanches can have large consequences in gullied terrain so ice climbers...heads up.

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, South East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

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