Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 16th, 2016 3:05PM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Windslabs can be found in Alpine areas and isolated areas at treeline. Still very early in the season so think about your knees over the long term!!! Below treeline is still below threshold.

Summary

Confidence

Low -

Weather Forecast

No new snow is forecast for the next few days and temperatures are forecast to continue to be seasonal with daytime highs around -2C. Winds are also forecast to be calm so overall it should be a nice day on Thursday!

Avalanche Summary

A few older (+36hrs) sz 1.5-2 avalanches on N Aspects but otherwise, no recent activity.

Snowpack Summary

The recent storm snow (up to 25cm) is beginning to settle. There is isolated wind affect along ridgelines and some evidence of crossloading in alpine areas but in general the new snow appears to be bonding well to the November temperature crust. This crust will likely be an important layer for us to follow for the season. Currently our observations are still very limited as snow levels below treeline are still generally below threshold and getting to where there is skiing potential is challeging.... Snowpack at Highwood pass is currently 50cm deep and at Burstall pass there is 76cm.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Use caution around ridgelines and in gullied terrain. Slabs do not likely extend far downslope but if something was to start it would be a rough ride. Ice climbers watch for small slabs funnelling down onto a route.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 17th, 2016 2:00PM