*** A special avalanche watch is activated for areas outside our forecast zone ***
Avoid areas where the wind has accumulated snow. Wind slabs are still reactive.
Significant reactive wind slabs can be expected under ridges and convexities on the southern slopes and laterally loaded on the east and west aspects.
Very limited observations in our forecast area. Two major avalanches occurred on the coast on February 19, one at Mont St-Pierre and one at Rivière-à-Claude. Both avalanches appear to have been triggered in the layer of facets at the base of the snowpack.
If you are out in the backcountry, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
A thin layer of frost (1 to 3 mm) has formed on the surface of the snowpack. During the last storm, between 50 and 70 cm of snow fell, depending on the area. At higher altitudes and at treeline, the wind has strongly sculpted the landscape, creating great variability. The landscape alternates between snowdrifts, hardened surfaces and eroded areas. In wind-sheltered areas, particularly below the treeline, this snow sits on a stable snowpack. However, a fragile layer of facets persists at the base. The height of the snowpack varies between 150 and 220 cm.
WEATHER FOR THE CRESTS AND SUMMITS OF CHIC-CHOCS
A high-pressure ridge brings calm after the storm
Wednesday evening and night: Cloudy. Accumulation of 1 to 3 cm. Wind northwest, 20 to 30 km/h. Low -8.
Thursday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind northwest, 10 to 20 km/h. High -5.
Friday: Sunny. Wind northwest, 15 to 30 km/h. High -12.
Saturday: Sunny. Wind northwest, 20 to 40 km/h. High -12.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
