Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 6th, 2017 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

It is avalanche season in Kananaskis! It is still very early in the season and the snowpack is shallow, so watch for numerous buried hazards. Bulletins will be updated as conditions warrant, and we will begin daily bulletins later in November.

Summary

Confidence

Low -

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud on Tuesday with a chance of light flurries in the evening. Alpine temperatures should reach -11 Celsius. Winds will be from the SW in the light to moderate range. Wednesday and Thursday will be a bit warmer with occasional light flurries.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches today, but observations were very limited.

Snowpack Summary

The early season snowpack is still very shallow with lots of buried hazards. Cold temperatures are leading to facetting of the snowpack. Snow depths at 2200m range from 30 to 60cm deep. 10 to 15cm of low density (or in some cases wind affected snow) overlies a crust formed in late October. This crust sits about 25cm above the ground and is supportive to skier traffic in some areas. At higher elevations wind slabs are present and may be sensitive to human triggering in steeper terrain. Watch for these slabs just below ridge crests and in gully features. Ice climbers should be aware that sluffing of loose unconsolidated surface snow is possible in steep terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Watch for wind slabs immediately below ridge-crests and in gully features.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 7th, 2017 2:00PM