Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 11th, 2013 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 and Loose Dry.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Danger Ratings could rise higher than forecast depending on the amount of rain and height of freezing levels on Tuesday. Be aware of overhead hazards.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

A warm and windy day is expected Tuesday with freezing levels climbing to 2700m and light flurries possible. Up to 5cm of snow for Wednesday with strong, gusty west winds.

Avalanche Summary

A few small slab avalanches (Size 1.0 to 1.5) have been reported to office in past 48hrs. These have been mostly 10 to 30cm thick wind slabs and have been either ski-cuts or natural triggered on steep E and NE aspects.Two size 1.0 loose dry avalanches were reported to flow over the ice climb "Amadeus" in the front ranges earlier today. Though not large, these slides would have been enough to know a climber off of their stance.

Snowpack Summary

Surface facetting. Some snow transport at ridgetop due to strong winds. Variable wind slab in Alpine. October rain crust down 50 to 70cm in Alpine. Below treeline remains below threshold.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Pockets of wind slabs are present in alpine areas, especially on lee and cross-loaded features as well as in gullies.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>Early season hazards such as rocks, trees and stumps are still visible.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>Finish ice climbs early in the day before the temperature rises.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 12th, 2013 2:00PM