Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 21st, 2012 8:22AM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The steady flow of precipitation has given us lots of new snow. Within this new snow, windslabs and their reactivity are a concern at the moment. Be prepared to look for and assess these slabs as you travel.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

20cm of new snow due to arrive overnight with temperatures steady. Winds light from the SW throughout.

Avalanche Summary

Small natural cycle noted today. Sizes ranged from 1-2 and were at treeline and above. Nov crust suspected as failure plane in some cases.

Snowpack Summary

New snow unsettled and available for transport. Windslabs from the last event are now down 20 to 30cm. Nov crust down 40-60 and reacting to new load in specific areas.

Problems

Wind Slabs

In the last 4 days up to 65cm of new snow has fallen in two separate events. The most recent snow has come in with little wind at Treeline and below, potentially leaving the windslab buried 20cm and touchy in specific terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Loose Dry

Steep features in the alpine and treeline are areas to watch for loose dry slides. Gully features, such as many ice climbs, should be treated with caution.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Nov 22nd, 2012 8:00AM