Newly formed wind slabs rest on a crust that provides an excellent sliding surface for avalanches. Carefully assess the presence of these slabs and their adhesion to the crust before venturing onto a steep slope, in alpine terrain or at the tree line.
Moderate to strong winds have formed wind slabs on leeward slopes. These rest on a crust that provides an excellent sliding surface for avalanches. Human-triggered avalanches are possible in alpine terrain and at the tree line. They are found beneath ridges and alpine convexities, as well as in lateral loading zones at the tree line. Their average thickness is 20 to 40 cm.
No new avalanches reported or observed.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
The wind caused significant spatial variability in alpine and at the tree line, with conditions ranging from icy surfaces to powder snow, including packed snow and soft wind slabs.
Between 10 and 20 cm of light, low density snow covers a widespread crust. This crust is very hard in the alpine. Below the tree line, it is sometimes more brittle and unable to support a skier’s weight. Under the crust, the snowpack is well-consolidated.
At mid-mountain, the average depth of the snowpack is around 140 cm.
WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS
Cloudy conditions and milder temperatures as a low-pressure system approaches.
Saturday evening and night: Cloudy. South-westerly wind 20–40 km/h. High -16°C.
Sunday: Cloudy, with a few snow showers, 2 to 4 cm. South-westerly wind 20 to 40 km/h. Maximum -10°C.
Monday: Snow 5 to 10 cm, slight chance of rain. Southerly wind 10 to 20 km/h. Maximum -1°C. Freezing level at 550m.
Tuesday: Sunny. North-westerly wind 20 to 40 km/h. Maximum -4°C.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
