Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 13th, 2015 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The winds are loading slopes rapidly. Even though the storm was a downer, the ongoing wind loading is worth some serious consideration. The storm snow is warm and heavy...perfect for building windslabs.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Some more snow is expected as this system tapers out. The forecasts are saying another 7 tonight and 10 tomorrow. The winds are expected to calm slightly, but the gusts will stay in the extreme range (80km/hr). The wind direction will be from the SW & W. Freezing level will climb to 2000m tomorrow.Â

Avalanche Summary

Natural activity included loose dry & fresh storm slabs up to sz 2.0 on east aspects.

Snowpack Summary

The recent storm appears to have fizzled out. New snow amounts vary from 10cm to 25cm through most of the forecast area. The strong winds that accompanied the snow created fresh storm slabs on N-SE aspects. These slabs are expected to be as low as treeline in most places. The warmer temps have encouraged settlement within the storm snow. At lower elevations, settlement slabs likely exist.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Today these slabs built very quickly with the warms temps. We can expect the same tomorrow. A natural cycle is expected in the alpine. Avoid overhead exposure regardless of your activity.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

lots of action today in steep rocky terrain. If the snow keeps coming expect this problem to get worse tomorrow. Watch gullies and confined areas.

The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.>Avoid travelling under cliffs that are exposed to sluffing from above.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

These slabs are buried below the new snow. The rapid loading may overwhelm the bond with the deeper layers.

The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 14th, 2015 2:00PM