Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 12th, 2014 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The early season snowpack is shallow and weak. At higher elevations expect to find isolated areas of avalanche hazard. Be wary of the consequences of even a small avalanche when exposed to steep terrain and/or terrain traps.

Summary

Confidence

Fair

Weather Forecast

Arctic high pressure has anchored into the area giving cold, clear skies with no precipitation. Winds should be light to very light for the next couple of day with Alpine temperatures climbing to -15 degrees on Thursday.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new.

Snowpack Summary

Little wind effect observed in Alpine and Treeline areas. Snowpack remains below threshold at lower elevations. The November rain crust is 4 to 5cm thick at treeline and is buried down 10 to 15cm. An October rain crust is also evident at the base of the snowpack.

Problems

Loose Dry

Sluffing is possible in steeper terrain at higher elevations.

Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Watch for isolated pockets of wind slab in lee and cross-loaded features such as gullies.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 13th, 2014 2:00PM