Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Nov 27 – 28, 2013Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

While the Avalanche Danger level has improved, skier-triggered avalanches are still possible in terrain where wind slabs are present. Lots of early season hazards out there, as the snowpack is still shallow and weak.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Hard wind slabs are found in lee and cross-loaded features in the Alpine and at Treeline. Steep and unsupported features are the primary concern.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–4
    Avalanches that are initiated in the upper snowpack could step down to the October crust or the ground.

Confidence

Good - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud expected Thursday with temperatures near -3 degrees. Winds will be from the West at 40km/h gusting to 70km/h. No precipitation is expected Thursday, but light flurries are possible on Friday.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new.

Snowpack Summary

Surface faceting and surface hoar growth to 10mm in sheltered areas below 2200m. Variable wind effect in specific terrain features in the Alpine, such as lee and cross-loaded features and gullies. Test profile at 2300m on SE asp. Basal crust layer (from late Oct) is up to 20cm thick. Moderate to hard compression tests resulted on this crust. Midpack is primarily 1F density.

Regions covered