Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 22nd, 2015 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Strong winds over the past few days have negatively affected the ski quality. Watch for pockets of wind slabs that may be triggered in steep terrain with a shallow snowpack.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Winds will shift to the SW overnight. Monday should bring light precipitation and ridge-top temperatures near -8 celsius. Snowfall accumulations are expected to be near 6cm on Monday and 7cm on Tuesday.

Avalanche Summary

One size 1.0 slab avalanche was observed on a south aspect at 2400m in Ranger Creek. Otherwise no other avalanches were observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar (up to 4mm) and surface faceting in sheltered areas Below Tree Line. The snowpack is settling. Widespread wind effect in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline. Surface conditions at these elevations are variable but include hard wind slabs, soft wind slabs and sastrugi.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are dominant in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline. Triggering of an avalanche is possible in steep areas with a shallow or variable snowpack.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 23rd, 2015 2:00PM