Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 9th, 2015 7:50AM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Winter has arrived and it's time to switch on the "avalanche brain". Ice climbers need to be aware of overhead terrain and be mindful of exposure to terrain traps and cliffs. Carry avalanche rescue gear and know how to use it.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

A series of storms will roll through the area over the next few days with brief clearing periods in between. Snowfall amounts could reach 10 to 15cm by Wednesday, with periodically strong winds.

Avalanche Summary

Loose dry avalanches up to size 1.5 associated the most recent snow have occurred over the past 24 hours. Previous slab avalanche activity has occurred on steep lee aspects in the alpine. Ice climbing parties have been surprised and had close calls in a couple of locations.

Snowpack Summary

It is early season and field observations are very limited. Up to 35cm of snow fell in the last 24hrs now putting many alpine areas above the necessary threshold for avalanche activity. Winds during the recent storm have been generally light, but some localized wind slab development is present. Previously formed hard wind slabs are found in isolated terrain at ridge-top on lee and cross-loaded features.

Problems

Loose Dry

Up to 35cm of snow in the past 24 hours is now sluffing in steep Alpine and Treeline terrain. Forecasted strong winds will make this situation worse over the short term.

Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.>Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>Watch for terrain traps where small amounts of snow will acumulate into deep deposits.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Previously formed wind slabs are present in gullies and cross-loaded features in the Alpine.

Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.>Carry avalanche safety equipment on ice climbs in avalanche terrain.>Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 10th, 2015 2:00PM