Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 19th, 2015 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

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.

Summary

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

There are 2 layers of windslabs with a weakness below and in between. Steep, crossloaded & unsupported terrain is the place to really watch for this problem.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 20th, 2015 2:00PM