Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 20th, 2018 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Lee and cross-loaded gullies are the terrain types of concern right now. Ice climbers should be cautious in this type of terrain, especially where even a small avalanche could have serious consequences (cliffs, gullies and other terrain traps).

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Temperatures are expected to be mild for the next few days. On Wednesday Alpine winds could reach up to 100km/h out of the West by the afternoon. Unfortunately there is no snow in the forecast for the foreseeable future.

Avalanche Summary

A couple of small loose dry avalanches were noted today in the Alpine, but otherwise there has been very little avalanche activity in the past few days.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar was observed in valley bottom today. In alpine areas surface wind slabs are evident in lee features and cross loaded gullies. There are two buried crusts in the snowpack to be aware of and curious about. The Oct 26th crust 10cm off the ground and the Nov 4th crust 40-50cm off the ground. These crusts are being found on all aspects, but due to limited field observations so far this season we are still unsure how high into the Alpine these crusts extend.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

This crust is mostly found on or near the ground. This layer has not been active lately, but there is potential for slab avalanches on this layer given the current snowpack structure.

Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

Watch for wind slabs near ridge lines, lee features and cross loaded gullies.

Avoid ice climbs exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects during the middle of the day.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 21st, 2018 2:00PM