Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 30th, 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.

A few cm of snow is forecast to fall overnight but this will not significantly change avalanche danger. Hard windslabs are widespread in the Alpine.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

A weak system is forecast to cross over the region over the next 24hrs giving us 5-10cm of new snow.Â Winds are forecast to remain calm with temperatures in the -10C range.Â

Avalanche Summary

No new activity was observed.

Snowpack Summary

30-35cm off the ground is the prominent october crust.Â Overlying this crust are weak facetted grains and then overlying this are pockets of hard windslabs in alpine and isolated treeline areas.Â Triggerring the facets above this layer is a possibility from thin areas so use caution in this type of terrain.Â Ice climbers pay attention on approaches to routes.

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: Dec 1st, 2018 2:00PM