Cold weather slows the stabilization process of wind slabs.
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.
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.
A size 1 avalanche, accidentally triggered by a skier in the couloir de la roche au mur des Patrouilleurs, was reported on February 16.
If you go into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack height is highly variable across the zone, and wind effects are strong in the alpine and at the treeline.
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. A thin layer of facetted grains is developing on this crust.
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.
The average height is around 100 cm.
Synopsis: A few snow showers possible over the next few days, interspersed with clearing and rather cold temperatures.
Saturday evening and night: A few snow showers, 1 to 2 cm. Wind west, 20 to 30 km/h. Low -17.
Sunday: Snow ending in the morning, then clearing. Wind west, 20 to 40 km/h. High -16.
Monday: Intermittent snow. Wind northwest, 30 to 50 km/h. High -12.
Tuesday: Sunny. Wind northwest, 10 to 30 km/h. High -17.
For more details, check out the most recent alpine weather forecast.
