Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 2nd, 2017 3:00PM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

We are reluctant to use ratings due to our limited field observations and lack of reliable snowpack information. Having said that, the current avalanche problems deserve attention and caution in certain terrain features. Choose terrain wisely.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

Snow is expected to continue. Another 5-10cm is expected in the forecast region by late day Friday. Winds will be light from the N-NW. Temps will drop to -20 on friday, and rise slightly to -15 by saturday.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing noted

Snowpack Summary

Prior to this current storm, we had 10-20cm of wind blown snow that began to fill gullies and alpine bowls. This most recent snow now sits on either bare ground, or these previously wind deposited gully and bowl features. Recent winds have been mostly from the north, expect storm slabs on SE to SW aspects. Sheltered areas and confined gullies are capable of loose dry sluffs at the moment.

Problems

Storm Slabs

These will be limited to gullies and other terrain features that held wind deposited snow from previous storms. Pole probing will help locate these deeper snow pack areas.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Be very cautious with gully features.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

This will be a problem in steep terrain. Early season Ice climbers should watch for sluffing.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.