Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 12th, 2013 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Strong to extreme winds and light accumulations of snow are expected over the next 3 days. Sluffing can be expected in steep terrain. Be cautious in steep/exposed terrain and avoid terrain traps.

Summary

Confidence

Fair

Weather Forecast

Scattered flurries expected Wednesday, but accumulations could reach 5cm. Winds will be strong to extreme from the West. alpine temperatures should reach a high of -4 degrees.

Avalanche Summary

A few naturally triggered loose dry slides from size 1.0 to 1.5 occurred on steep NE aspects today.

Snowpack Summary

Variable wind slab in Alpine and Treeline zones. Strong to extreme winds were still moving snow at ridgetop today. October rain crust is present dow 50 to 60cm in Alpine areas.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Pockets of wind slabs are present in alpine areas, especially on lee and cross-loaded features as well as in gullies.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>Early season hazards such as rocks, trees and stumps are still visible.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Strong to extreme winds continue to move snow around. Sluffing can be expected in steep terrain. Though generally expected to be small in size, avalanches of this nature are still a threat to ice climbers in steep and/or confined terrain.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 13th, 2013 2:00PM