High spatial variability in the alpine and at the treeline. Approach freshly wind-loaded areas with caution.
The north-westerly, then northerly winds will continue to create wind slabs, particularly in the alpine region. The extent of the problem will depend on the amount of snow received. You're likely to find this problem in the start zones of couloirs, under convexities and in laterally-loaded depressions.
No new avalanche was reported or observed.
If you go into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
The new snow that will fall on Wednesday night will be added to the 10 to 15 cm already present in areas sheltered from the wind.
Below 500m altitude, this new snow lies on a refreezing crust that formed on Monday. The crust thickens and hardens as we lose altitude. In some places (Mines Madeleine and solar slopes), the crust is present up to 1000m.
The middle of the snowpack is well consolidated, resting on the December 30 combo of facetted grains and crust. Facetted grains and depth hoar are developing at the base of the snowpack.
Snowpack height is highly variable throughout the park, with significant wind effects in the alpine and at the treeline. The average height is around 90 cm.
Synopsis: The low-pressure system off Newfoundland is bringing us a few more flakes overnight.
Wednesday evening and night: Snow, 5 to 7 cm. North wind, 25 to 45 km/h. Low -11.
Thursday: Clearing in the afternoon. Wind northwest, 20 to 40 km/h. Maximum -12C.
Friday: Sunny. Wind northwest, 20 to 30 km/h. Maximum -11C.
Saturday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind northwest, 20 to 30 km/h. Maximum -11.
For more details, check out the most recent alpine weather forecast.
