Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 13th, 2017 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Wind and snow have lead to an increase in hazard. Remember that even a small avalanche can have serious consequences in exposed terrain and shallow snowpack run-out zones.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Flurries will continue tonight before a clearing trend on Tuesday. Strong SW winds will continue with Alpine temperatures reaching a high of only -10 Celsius on Tuesday. Wednesday is a mixed bag, with another wave of snow expected on Thursday.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity was observed over the past couple of days, but observations have been very limited.

Snowpack Summary

By mid-afternoon on Monday 5cm had fallen in the Alpine with strong SW winds. More snow is expected overnight. Wind slab development is ongoing at higher elevations in lee and cross-loaded features. The Halloween Crust is buried between 15 and 25cm and has shown signs of facetting in some areas. This crust is found below 2500m on all aspects, and will be one to watch through the start of the season. At lower elevations the snowpack is shallow and weak with extensive early season hazards to be concerned with.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slab development will continue through the night in lee and cross-loaded terrain. Be wary of these slabs immediately below ridge-crests and on exposed terrain between pitches of ice climbs.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Be very cautious with gully features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 14th, 2017 2:00PM