The wind had a major impact on snow at higher altitudes. Wind slabs could still be triggered, especially in areas where the snowpack varies from thick to thin, as triggering is easier there.
On Saturday, moderate north-westerly winds carried snow onto the eastern slopes. We received reports of shooting cracks on wind slabs in the alpine, a sign of instability. Isolated wind slabs can be present in start zones, under convexities and in cross-loaded areas. Although small, these slabs can get triggered near rock outcroppings where the snowpack is thin.
Thursday, a group of skiers accidentally triggered a size 1 wind slab avalanche on a north-east, leeward alpine slope, at La Grande Cuve, Mont Albert. The failure plane was a weak layer of facets, buried under the wind-affected snow.
If you go into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
In the alpine and wind-affected areas, wind-pressed surfaces, isolated pockets of recently drifted snow, or hard wind slabs are found.
These slabs are overlying older/denser snow or a weak layer of facet grains. This was the failure plane of the avalanche triggered on February 22 at Grande Cuve.
Between 5 and 20 cm of cold powdery snow can be found on sheltered slopes. The mid-snowpack is well consolidated, resting on the December 30 combo of facets and crust. Facets and depth hoar are developing at the base of the snowpack.
Synopsis: A weak low-pressure system from Ontario will head for the Gaspé Peninsula on Monday, bringing light precipitation. A lull is expected on Tuesday, followed by heavy rain on Wednesday.
Sunday evening and night: Increasing cloudiness after midnight. Wind south 20 km/h. Low -12.
Monday: Cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. Wind southwest, 10-20 km/h. High -4.
Tuesday: Cloudy. Wind south 20-30 km/h. High -3.
Wednesday: Cloudy. 20 mm rain. Wind south 30-40 km/h. High +7.
For more details, check out the most recent alpine weather forecast.
