Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 17th, 2013 3:00PM

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

Mike.Koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

New snow and wind forecasted overnight so we expect to see avalanche danger begin to increase. Good travel in the Highwood area but still pretty rugged along the Spray. LOTS of early season hazards are still out there waiting to ruin your season...

Summary

Confidence

Good - Track of incoming weather is uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

Winds are expected to increase as temperatures slowly rise.Â We may see 10-15cm of new snow above 2200m over the next 24hrs and a second pulse of more snow on Monday night.Â

Avalanche Summary

Only a few small loose dry avalanches were observed.Â Forecasters also did see a sz two cornice collapse on Mt Tyrwitt around 12:00.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 15cm recent HST at 2300m (Highwood pass).Â HS was on average 50-70cm.Â Very little wind affect.Â No sheers were noted and the 1027 Melt freeze crust was found 20cm off the ground.Â Coverage was very variable and numerous rocks and hazards are still evident.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs will continue to develop in Alpine terrain with recent snow and winds. Winds are forecasted to reach into the strong range overnight.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Watch for loose dry sluffing out of steeper terrain. This will be important for Ice climbers to note as they are often in the pinch point of the hourglass where smaller sluffs can have big consequences.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>Choose ice climbs that are not exposed to avalanches from above.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 18th, 2013 2:00PM