Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 22nd, 2012 8:01AM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Snow depth is working in our favor at the moment. The fresh snow has made for some good skiing out there. Keep in mind the concerns mentioned here, and choose terrain wisely. Leave the radar on and enjoy exploring for good runs. MM

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Light precip arriving tonight with a rise in temperatures overnight. Winds increasing to strong at 3000m.

Avalanche Summary

Several loose dry avalanches were noted, running to mid runout in some cases. All aspects, TL and above, limited to steep terrain. Larger slabs were also noted, up to 2.5 in the ALP.

Snowpack Summary

snow depths varied from 110cm to as little as 40 in places. November crust was still intact at all elevations (up to 2500m). On top of this, windslabs are present. Density and thickness varied greatly depending on terrain. Snow from the last storm is still available for wind transport at all elevations.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Light to moderate winds starting to develop skier triggerable slabs in the upper snowpack. Risk of these slabs stepping down to the November rain crust deeper in the snowpack causing a large avalanche.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Loose Dry

Steep features in the alpine and treeline are areas to watch for loose dry slides. Gully features, such as many ice climbs, should be treated with caution.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Nov 23rd, 2012 8:00AM