Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 27th, 2018 3:00PM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Pockets of hard windslabs are common in alpine and treeline areas. Avoid gullies and immediate lee. Great ice climbing conditions!!!

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

Not much change these days. Temps will be in the -5C range in alpine areas, we may see a few cm of snow overnight and winds will be light to moderate out of the SW at treeline.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity seen or observed.

Snowpack Summary

40-50cm of snow is overlying the October crust at TL elevations. No significant sheers were noted within the snowpack. Lens of hard slabs in alpine areas that are overlying the weak facetted base are the main concern at this time. Thin weak spots are good triggers for these hard slabs so be mindful of that. Ice climbing conditions are great while skiing.... no so great.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Lens of hard slabs should be expected in alpine areas. Thin weak spots at the edges of these lens should be treated with caution.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

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

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Nov 28th, 2018 2:00PM