Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Nov 17 – 18, 2015Alberta Parks
View on map
Archived · expired 11 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map

Highlights

A significant storm rolled into the region Tuesday afternoon bringing strong winds and moderate to heavy snowfalls. This will lead to a spike in hazard levels on Wednesday. Conservative terrain choices are in order.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2–5
    Previously formed wind slabs are now hidden by the new snow. An avalanche triggered in the newly formed storm slabs could step down to the early November facets and cause a large avalanche.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Sluffing is expected in steep terrain at all elevations.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2–5
    Significant storm slab development is expected through the night with strong winds and moderate to heavy snowfall expected. Lee and cross-loaded features in Alpine and Treeline areas are most prone to slab development.

Confidence

Good - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Up to 40cm additional new snow overnight with strong winds tapering to light by late this evening. A clearing trend is expected Wednesday with cooler temperatures.

Avalanche Summary

Observations were very limited due to visibility.

Snowpack Summary

The storm arrived this afternoon bringing moderate flurries and strong winds. Storm slab development is on going in the Alpine and at Treeline, adding to existing wind slabs at these elevations. Lee and cross-loaded features are places to watch for these various slabs. Loose dry avalanches are also expected in steep terrain on all aspects.

Regions covered