Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 27th, 2013 7:29AM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

While the Avalanche Danger level has improved, skier-triggered avalanches are still possible in terrain where wind slabs are present. Lots of early season hazards out there, as the snowpack is still shallow and weak.

Summary

Confidence

Good - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud expected Thursday with temperatures near -3 degrees. Winds will be from the West at 40km/h gusting to 70km/h. No precipitation is expected Thursday, but light flurries are possible on Friday.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new.

Snowpack Summary

Surface faceting and surface hoar growth to 10mm in sheltered areas below 2200m. Variable wind effect in specific terrain features in the Alpine, such as lee and cross-loaded features and gullies. Test profile at 2300m on SE asp. Basal crust layer (from late Oct) is up to 20cm thick. Moderate to hard compression tests resulted on this crust. Midpack is primarily 1F density.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Avalanches that are initiated in the upper snowpack could step down to the October crust or the ground.

Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.>Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

Hard wind slabs are found in lee and cross-loaded features in the Alpine and at Treeline. Steep and unsupported features are the primary concern.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.>Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 28th, 2013 2:00PM