Recently formed wind slabs are slowly beginning to stabilize, but triggering avalanches remains possible in areas of snow accumulation and on convexities. Choose your terrain carefully, and keep in mind that the best riding conditions are currently found below treeline.
In alpine terrain and at treeline, wind slabs 20–50 cm thick may still react to the passage of a skier. At treeline, some wind slabs remain soft in places and appear more reactive than those found in the alpine. The wind slabs formed below convexities, terrain breaks, beneath ridgelines, and in areas of cross-loading at treeline. The wind slabs are gradually stabilizing.
No new avalanches reported or observed.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
In alpine terrain and at treeline, the snowpack shows strong spatial variability, ranging from wind-scoured slopes to areas of hardened snow accumulation. At all elevations, a surface layer of large rimed grains known as graupel is present. This layer could become problematic once it is buried. In addition, a thin, breakable sun crust is found on steep south and southwest-facing slopes.
In wind-sheltered areas, 20 to 25 cm of recent, low-density snow rests on a snowpack that is gradually densifying. A layer of faceted crystals is locally present at depths of 40 to 60 cm.
The December 20 crust is located between 60 and 100 cm deep. The base of the snowpack is highly faceted. The average snowpack depth at mid-elevations is approximately 120 cm.
WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS
A beautiful day in the mountains this Tuesday, with mild temperatures, light winds, and sunshine.
Monday night: Partly cloudy. Light northeast winds up to 15 km/h. Low of −15 °C.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny. Light west winds up to 15 km/h. High of −6 °C.
Wednesday: Increasing cloud cover. Light southwest winds up to 15 km/h. High of −7 °C.
Thursday: Cloudy with a chance of snow showers, with 2 to 4 cm of accumulation. Southwest winds at 10 to 20 km/h. High of −13 °C.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
