Reactive pockets of wind slab remain and may still be triggered by skiers. Wind-loaded terrain should be avoided, especially near ridgelines and on convex features. Make conservative terrain choices and keep in mind that the safest options — and the best snow quality — are currently found below treeline.
In alpine terrain and at treeline, wind slabs 20–50 cm thick may still react to the passage of a skier. At treeline, some wind slabs remain soft in places and appear more reactive than those found in the alpine. The wind slabs formed below convexities, terrain breaks, beneath ridgelines, and in areas of cross-loading at treeline. The wind slabs are gradually stabilizing.
No new avalanches reported or observed.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
In the alpine and at treeline, the snowpack shows strong spatial variability: west-facing slopes are mostly scoured, while other aspects offer a mix of hardened wind-affected snow and areas of still-soft powder.
In the Mines Madeleine area, a friable glaze ice layer is present at the surface at all elevations. This layer does not affect ski quality, but could become problematic when it becomes buried.
Elsewhere in the region, in wind-sheltered areas, a surface hoar layer is present. This layer could also become problematic if it is buried before being destroyed by the wind.
In addition, a thin, friable sun crust is present on steep south and southwest-facing slopes.
The December 20 crust is located between 60 and 100 cm deep. The average snowpack depth at mid-elevations is approximately 120 cm.
WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS
Mild temperatures and light winds will persist in the Chic-Chocs for another day, before colder temperatures return on Thursday.
Tuesday night: Partly cloudy. Light southwest winds at 10–20 km/h. Low of -9 °C.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy. Light southwest winds up to 15 km/h. High of -6 °C.
Thursday: Intermittent snow, with 5–7 cm of accumulation. Northwest winds at 10–30 km/h. High of -14 °C.
Friday: A mix of sun and clouds. Southwest winds at 10–30 km/h. High of -12 °C.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
