The change in wind direction and uncertainty about precipitation make it difficult to predict the extent of wind slabs on Wednesday.
Take the time to assess conditions before venturing into wind-exposed terrain.
The extent of the problem will depend on the amount of snow forecast for Wednesday. Moderate to strong southerly winds could redistribute the new snow to leeward slopes, promoting the formation of wind slabs below ridges, below convexities and in areas of crossloading.
No new avalanches reported or observed.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
The snow forecasted for Wednesday will settle on top of the 25 to 35 cm of snow that has been on the surface of the snowpack since Sunday and Monday's storm.
In sheltered areas, this new snow lies on a gradually denser layer down to the decomposing melt-freeze crust of 20 December. In places, a weaker layer of faceted grains lies just above this crust.
Strong winds have created great variability in the alpine and near the tree line, where there are bare areas as well as hard wind slabs, compacted snow and softer recent slabs.
The average snowpack depth at mid-mountain is approximately 110 cm.
WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS
A low-pressure system is moving through, bringing mild temperatures and precipitation that is expected to remain snow on Wednesday and Thursday.
Tuesday evening and night: Light snow, 2 to 4 cm. Wind from the south, 30 to 50 km/h. Low -6.
Wednesday: Intermittent snow, 3 to 5 cm. Wind from the south, 30 to 50 km/h. High of -2. Freezing level at 525 m.
Thursday: Intermittent snow, 4 to 7 cm. Wind from the south at 30 to 50 km/h. High of -1. Freezing level at 800 m.
Friday: Light snow. Wind from the northwest at 30 to 60 km/h. High of -18.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
