Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 24th, 2013 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Although avalanche conditions are slowly improving, caution is still advised in larger Alpine features. Numerous early season hazards remain a concern, but travel conditions have improved.

Summary

Confidence

Good - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

Monday is expected to be cloudy and relatively mild. Freezing levels will climb to 2000m and winds are expected to be moderate from the West. No precipitation is expected.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

Surface facetting. Variable wind effect in Alpine. Test profile at 2300m on NE aspect. Total height of snow at this wind-loaded site was 123cm. Moderate compression tests observed under the October crust down 70cm. Inconsistent moderate shears in upper snowpack at old wind slab interfaces.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Both hard and soft wind slabs are found in lee and cross-loaded features in the Alpine and at Treeline. Steep and unsupported features are the primary concern, and gully features should be evaluated carefully.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.>Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>Avoid unsupported slopes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Avalanches that are initiated in the upper snowpack could step down to the October crust or the ground.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Nov 25th, 2013 2:00PM