Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 17th, 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, Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

A significant storm rolled into the region Tuesday afternoon bringing strong winds and moderate to heavy snowfalls. This will lead to a spike in hazard levels on Wednesday. Conservative terrain choices are in order.

Summary

Confidence

Good - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Up to 40cm additional new snow overnight with strong winds tapering to light by late this evening. A clearing trend is expected Wednesday with cooler temperatures.

Avalanche Summary

Observations were very limited due to visibility.

Snowpack Summary

The storm arrived this afternoon bringing moderate flurries and strong winds. Storm slab development is on going in the Alpine and at Treeline, adding to existing wind slabs at these elevations. Lee and cross-loaded features are places to watch for these various slabs. Loose dry avalanches are also expected in steep terrain on all aspects.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Significant storm slab development is expected through the night with strong winds and moderate to heavy snowfall expected. Lee and cross-loaded features in Alpine and Treeline areas are most prone to slab development.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Wind Slabs

Previously formed wind slabs are now hidden by the new snow. An avalanche triggered in the newly formed storm slabs could step down to the early November facets and cause a large avalanche.

Be cautious of buried obstacles in shallow snowpack areas.>Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>Whumpfing is direct evidence of a buried instability.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Loose Dry

Sluffing is expected in steep terrain at all elevations.

Avoid ice climbs that are in terrain traps below large start zones.>Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 18th, 2015 2:00PM