Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Nov 30 – Dec 1, 2014Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Natural avalanche activity is decreasing, but human-triggering is still a very real possibility. Increased winds will also add to the prevalence of wind slabs. Conservative route selection is in order.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–4
    Wind slab development is ongoing as moderate westerly winds redistribute the low density snow. Lee and cross-loaded features at and above treeline are areas of concern.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Sluffing remains an issue in steep rocky terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    2–4
    Recent natural avalanche activity is stepping down to the November rain crust.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Alpine temperatures should reach -15 celsius under a mix of sun and cloud. Winds will increase to 35km/h from the West. No precipitation is in the immediate forecast.

Avalanche Summary

The avalanche cycle continued today, but natural activity is tapering off. Numerous loose dry and slab avalanches up to size 2.0 were observed today. Generally speaking the slab avalanches are not propagating widely, but some of the slabs are stepping down to the November rain crust.

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm snow of 50 to 70cm has settled rapidly in the past 24hrs. Increased winds are now redistributing this low density snow and forming more extensive wind slabs in Alpine and Treeline terrain. The November rain crust remains a prominent feature near the base of the snowpack.

Regions covered