Recently formed wind slabs need some time to stabilize and can still be reactive to human triggering, especially where it rests on the crust.
Snow transport has been observed on peaks and ridges. In the alpine and open areas at and below treeline, these slabs may rest on the January 18 crust, increasing the likelihood of being triggered by a skier.
A slab has formed on top of the facets on crust interface of the January 18th, which is now buried at a depth of 60 cm. Although the probability of triggering an avalanche is very low, this interface exists, and could, in isolated places, react to skier traffic. An avalanche on the surface could also step down to the deeper layer.
Evidences of small loose dry avalanches from the past 24 hours have been observed at the mur des patrouilleurs.
Thanks for contributing to the collection of this valuable data by sharing with other users on the Mountain Information Network or by writing to us directly at [email protected].
Above 600m, moderate to strong winds have redistributed the available snow and Monday's precipitation, exposing the ice in open areas, and creating isolated wind slabs of varying density on immediate lees, cross and reverse loaded features. Below 600m, the effects of yesterday's mild temperatures were limited, but there is still a generalized brittle crust, which becomes less and less noticeable when skiing as we approach 600m. The mid-snowpack is well consolidated, with a constant progression in density. The January 18 crust is buried under sixty to one hundred centimetres of snow, and still has a layer of faceted grains above it. The best skiing remains in sheltered areas, above 600m, where the snow has been preserved from the weather events of the last few days (warm temperatures and wind).
In general, the depth of the snowpack varies from 70 to 90 cm in the valley to 100 to 150 cm at mid-mountains.
Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits.
Synopsis: A low-pressure system will quickly pass over the Chic-Chocs, with some light snowfall. An arctic front moves in later in the week, with polar temperatures and a chance of squalls.
Tuesday night and overnight: Increasing clouds. 1-2 cm of snow. Winds from 45 to 60 km/h from the southwest. Min -15C.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy. 1-2 cm of snow. Winds around 40 km/h with gusting to 70 km/h from the west. Max. -20C
Thursday: Mostly sunny. Trace of snow. Winds from 30 to 40 km/h from the northwest. Max. -30C.
Friday: Gradual clearing. Trace of snow. Winds from 25 to 45 km/h from the north. Max -27C.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine forecast.
