Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 30th, 2014 3:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Deep Persistent Slabs and Loose Dry.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Natural avalanche activity is decreasing, but human-triggering is still a very real possibility. Increased winds will also add to the prevalence of wind slabs. Conservative route selection is in order.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Alpine temperatures should reach -15 celsius under a mix of sun and cloud. Winds will increase to 35km/h from the West. No precipitation is in the immediate forecast.

Avalanche Summary

The avalanche cycle continued today, but natural activity is tapering off. Numerous loose dry and slab avalanches up to size 2.0 were observed today. Generally speaking the slab avalanches are not propagating widely, but some of the slabs are stepping down to the November rain crust.

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm snow of 50 to 70cm has settled rapidly in the past 24hrs. Increased winds are now redistributing this low density snow and forming more extensive wind slabs in Alpine and Treeline terrain. The November rain crust remains a prominent feature near the base of the snowpack.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slab development is ongoing as moderate westerly winds redistribute the low density snow. Lee and cross-loaded features at and above treeline are areas of concern.

Whumpfing is direct evidence of a buried instability.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

Recent natural avalanche activity is stepping down to the November rain crust.

Use careful route-finding and stick to moderate slope angles with low consequences>Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Loose Dry

Sluffing remains an issue in steep rocky terrain.

Avoid open slopes with any steepness over 40 degrees.>Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 1st, 2014 2:00PM