Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 4th, 2013 7:33AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The transition to winter avalanche conditions is upon us. Even a small slide can have serious consequences in steep terrain or in terrain traps. Ice climbers need to carefully assess their routes and consider carrying avalanche rescue equipment.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Cloudy day expected for Tuesday with little or no precipitation. Alpine temperatures will remain cool and winds are expected to be light from the west.

Avalanche Summary

Minor sluffing to size 1.0 from steep terrain in alpine on all aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack settling. Variable wind effect in Alpine. Snowpack is below threshold at treeline and below.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs are present in Alpine terrain due to recent snow and winds. Lee and cross-loaded features, as well as gullies, are areas to find these slabs.

Be very cautious with gully features.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Sluffing is still occurring in steeper Alpine terrain related to the recent snow. Ice climbers should be especially aware of this problem.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Choose ice climbs that are not exposed to avalanches from above.>Carry avalanche safety equipment on ice climbs in avalanche terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 5th, 2013 2:00PM