Wind-driven storm snow could form significant wind slabs in alpine terrain and at the tree line.
The safest conditions will be found in areas well sheltered from the wind.
The snow from the storm will be transported by moderate westerly winds, forming new wind slabs on leeward slopes. These will be found mainly in alpine terrain, beneath convexities and in areas subject to cross-loading near the tree line.
Lots of sluffing triggered by skiers on the north faces of the Madeleine mines on Friday.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
When we visited the Madeleine mines on Friday, more than 30 cm of new snow had been added to the 15 to 30 cm of low-density snow already present in the mountains. The northern part of the forecast area appears to have received more precipitation.
This snow lies on a crust formed on 20 December, on which a layer of facetted grains is developing. This fragile interface will be closely monitored over the coming weeks.
Snow distribution is very uneven in alpine terrain and near the tree line: some slopes are almost bare, while others have significant accumulations of wind-blown snow.
The average snow depth at mid-mountain varies between 70 and 110 cm.
WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS
Steady westerly winds and very cold temperatures are expected for the weekend.
Friday evening and night: Intermittent snow, 1 to 3 cm. Westerly winds of 30 to 50 km/h. Low of -23.
Saturday: Cloudy, light snow. Westerly winds of 30 to 50 km/h. High -22.
Sunday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind from the west 20 to 40 km/h. High -20.
Monday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind from the northwest 30 to 50 km/h. High -22.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
