Wind slabs of varying density and thickness can be found in the alpine and at the treeline, and will need some time to stabilize.
In places, they rest directly on a very firm crust that provides an excellent sliding surface.
Take time to analyze freshly wind-loaded slopes before you set off.
The north-westerly wind will continue the formation of wind slabs in the alpine region. On sunny slopes, these slabs rest on a very firm crust that provides an excellent sliding surface. You're likely to encounter this problem in couloir start zones, under convexities and in laterally-loaded depressions.
On the steep slopes and in the gullies, the new very light snow can rest directly on a very firm crust, easily creating small avalanches of dry loose snow when a skier passes.
A size 1 avalanche was reported by Chic-Chac guides on a northern aspect of Mount Lyall.
If you go into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
In areas sheltered from the wind, you can find between 10 and 20 cm of very low density snow. Sectors closer to the north coast were favoured. At Les Mines Madeleine, for example, more than 25 cm of new snow fell.
Below 500m altitude, this new snow rests on a refreezing crust that had formed on Monday. The crust thickens and hardens as we lose altitude. On sunny slopes, the crust is present up to 1000m. On sunny alpine slopes, the crust is very firm, and ski crampons are essential.
The middle of the snowpack is well consolidated, resting on the December 30 combo of facetted grains and crust. Facetted grains and deep frost develop at the base of the snowpack.
Snowpack height is highly variable across the zone, and wind effects are strong in the alpine and at the treeline. The average height is around 100 cm.
Synopsis: Under the influence of a high-pressure ridge, little or no precipitation and rather cold weather for the next few days.
Friday evening and night: Mostly cloudy. Wind northwest, 20-30 km/h. Low -17.
Saturday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind northwest, 10 to 20 km/h. High -12.
Sunday: Sunny. Wind west, 20 to 40 km/h. High -15.
Monday: Alternating sun and cloud. Wind northwest, 30 to 50 km/h. High -12.
For more details, check out the most recent alpine weather forecast.
