Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 19th, 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 and Wind Slabs.

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Ice climbers be aware of exposure to solar aspects with sunny skies and warmer weather on its way.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

Looking like sunny skies and warmer temperatures for the remainder of the week. Tuesday is forecast to bring alpine temperatures of -4c with light westerly winds.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed.

Snowpack Summary

The recent storm snow (up to 30cm) is settling and starting to see surface hoar crystals growing. In alpine areas, wind slabs up to 15cm thick are predominant in lee features and cross loaded gullies. There are two crusts in the snowpack to be aware and curious about. The Oct 26th crust 10cm off the ground and the Nov 4th crust 40-50cm off the ground. These crusts are being found on all aspects but limited field observations so far this season has us still figuring out the elevation that it extends up to.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

This crust is mostly found on or near the ground.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

Recent snow and wind have created wind slabs. Expect them near ridge lines, lee features and cross loaded gullies.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Avoid ice climbs exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects during the middle of the day.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 20th, 2018 2:00PM