Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 21st, 2017 3:15PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Rising temps, rapid loading and high winds are a recipe for a natural avalanche cycle. If the forecast holds true, limit your exposure to avalanche terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Temperatures will increase as the next storm approaches. Overnight lows will be -4 and freezing levels will rise to 3000m by tomorrow. Snow and wind is expected with this latest front. 8cm tonight, 10cm tomorrow & 35cm on Thursday. Westerly winds will range from 45-70km/hr with gusts up to 80km/hr!

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today. The extent of the last cycle was quite broad. Many paths have recently avalanched up to sz 2.5. These have all gone surprisingly far.

Snowpack Summary

The recent snowfall has settled significantly in the last 24hrs. At treeline there is 40cm of storm snow, followed by a denser windslab. The Halloween crust is down 80cm at treeline and in stability tests, it's failing just below. Above treeline, it's important to note the ongoing wind loading and how it rapidly the snowpack changes in windy areas. Alpine areas have extensive wind slabs. The recent cycle has been failing on the Halloween crust, which appears to extend quite far into the alpine

Problems

Wind Slabs

Intense transport has continued to build the wind slabs. These slabs are reactive on the Oct 31 crust as well as older snow interfaces. Re-loading should be a concern. Expect to come upon these slabs suddenly as you approach upper treeline.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Nov 22nd, 2017 2:00PM