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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 30th, 2016–Dec 1st, 2016
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: Kananaskis.

Minimal snow fall hasn't changed the wind slab problem, but light winds and flurries have added a loose dry concern for ice climbers in high alpine terrain.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Isolated flurries tonight with moderate ridge winds. Tomorrow will continue with the flurries, but the winds will drop off to the light range. The alpine temps will hover around -10 degrees.

Avalanche Summary

1 loose dry avalanche (sz1.5) was witnessed this afternoon. It started out of very steep alpine terrain near the Old Goat glacier. Climbers should take note of this as it was in climbing terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Flurries overnight and today have left a dusting of new snow at all elevations. Unfortunately this is not enough to change the snowpack in a positive way. Below treeline is still considered to be below thresh hold for avalanches. Treeline is where the avalanche potential starts. Despite the dusting of new snow, we are still seeing the evidence of the wind event from last week. Many exposed alpine ridges are blown free of snow, which leads us to believe that there are wind slabs in lee areas. Below the windslabs, the crusts from earlier this month are still very prominent. The "Trump" crust (buried Nov 12th) is by far the most prominent and is down 30-50cm's. So far the bond within the upper pack appears to be strong with only "hard"  failures noted, suggesting that the snowpack is relatively strong.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are widespread in Alpine areas and exposed Treeline features. Human triggering is possible in steep and/or unsupported terrain.
Choose well supported terrain without convexities.Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Dry

If you are heading out climbing in the alpine, this problem should be on your radar. Expect sluffs to start near ridge lines and entrain any available snow that has collected on ledges.
Be very cautious with gully features.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2