Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 16th, 2018 3:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

New snow and clear skies for tomorrow. Watch for buried obstacles. The new snow will hide stumps and rocks.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Clearing skies overnight. Tomorrow will be a crisp early winter day with temps hitting -10. Light winds at all elevations. No snow.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today, however visibility was limited.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 25cm's have fallen in last 48-36 hours. Moderate westerly winds in the alpine and treeline elevations have created new windslabs on any easterly aspect. Expect them to be reactive in deeper, wind prone areas. The winds preceded the storm, so there is a chance the new slabs could be on top of an older crust. How the Oct 26th crust reacts to the new load remains to be seen as visibility was limited today. We may be just starting the human triggered part of the settlement cycle.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The recent snow is putting a bit of weight/stress on the crust. Given what we saw last week, this may take some time to sort itself out. Asses the crust and the bond with upper layers thoroughly before trusting a slope.

Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

Fresh snow and wind have created windslabs. Expect them near ridge lines and cross loaded gullies.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Ice climbers and aggressive skiers should expect to encounter some sluffing in steep, confined areas or beneath cliff bands.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 17th, 2018 2:00PM