Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 20th, 2018–Nov 21st, 2018

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

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.

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).

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.

Avalanche 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