Not much new snow received but the wind has picked up and will continue on Friday.
Keep in mind that travel will remain difficult and that the crust can provide an excellent sliding surface for avalanches.
The moderate northwest wind on Thursday started the job of forming slabs on the January 18 rain crust. As it turns to the northeast on Friday, it will be able to pick up the remaining available snow.
No new avalanches have been observed or reported.
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A little more than 5 cm of snow was received on Thursday which was moved by the northwest wind. The wind salbs up to 20 cm thick that have formed at the treeline seem to us to be not very reactive even if they are resting on the rain crust of January 18 which is supportive. As for those in the alpine, as we have no recent observations, we can only assume that they are thicker and possibly less well welded to the crust which is more icy at altitude. Below the tree line, the new snow greatly reduces the sensation of skiing on glass.
It goes without saying that travel in the alpine and on steep terrain will be perilous. The snowpack is still thin and the consequences of slipping on these icy surfaces could be fatal. Spatial variability is important, from rock to ice to areas of greater accumulation.
Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits.
Thursday evening and night: Cloudy. Traces to 1 cm of snow. Wind northeast 20 to 40 kph. Low -14.
Friday: Cloudy periods. Traces of snow. Wind northeast 20 to 40 km/h. High -10.
Saturday: Cloudy periods. Traces of snow. Light northwest wind. High -9.
Sunday: Cloudy periods. Light southwest wind. Traces of snow. High -9.
