Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 29th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Mikey, Avalanche Canada

Kananaskis, Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, North 40, Spray - KLakes.

Snow is expected on Wednesday along with South winds. Expect wind slab formation over a weak snowpack. Skier triggering is likely. Conservative route finding is still in order.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

With the clear skies today, there is more evidence of a small cycle of loose/dry avalanches up to size 2 that most likely occurred on Sunday and Monday. There is less so evidence of slab avalanches. One size 1.5 loose/dry was observed in cliffy terrain at noon in the Goat range.

Snowpack Summary

We generally have a weak snowpack with the base consisting of 40cm of facets. This is quite different than the last couple of years for early season.

There is approximately 30-40cm of storm snow that consists mostly of loose dry snow, along with some wind slab formation on lee features. Wednesday is forecast to bring an additional 10cm. This interface between the new and old snow(facets) will continue to be a concern for triggering, especially with more snow forecast on Wednesday.

Weather Summary

Flurries will begin overnight and bring up to 10cm of snow on Wednesday. Temperatures will start out at -20c and expected to rise to a balmy -13c. Winds in the alpine will blow at 60km/h from the South.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Ice climbers should be equipped with avalanche safety gear.

Problems

Loose Dry

All of this loose/dry storm snow will continue to lead to avalanches up to size 2. If a slide occurs, there is a possibility that it will entrain the facets underneath.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are expected in all Alpine terrain on all aspects. At Treeline these slabs are expected to be more confined to ridge-crests and gully features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Nov 30th, 2022 4:00PM