The avalanche problem is isolated, so stay alert to avoid surprises.
Pay particular attention to the start zones and cross loaded features.
Although leeward aspects show few slab characteristics, wind slabs do exist in isolated areas. They sit above the crust, which increases their reactivity. Two avalanches were triggered on an East facing slope on Sunday.
Two avalanches up to size 1.5 were accidentally triggered by users. These occurred on Hog's Back, on the eastern side at tree line.
If you are out in the backcountry, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Strong to extreme west to northwest winds have done their thing. In wind-exposed areas, northwest to southwest aspects are scoured down to the crust, while the northeast to south aspects show little accumulation (except for the start zones and cross loaded features). Below treeline, 5 to 25 cm of low-density snow overlie the crust, which generally supports the weight of a user.
The snowpack is wet under this crust. It rests on a layer of facets that tends to round out. The height of the snowpack varies between 100 cm and 200 cm.
WEATHER FOR THE CRESTS AND SUMMITS OF CHIC-CHOCS
Sunday evening and night: Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. Northwest winds from 50 to 60 km/h. -12C.
Monday: Clearing. Trace of snow. Northwest winds from 25 to 35 km/h. -15C.
Tuesday: Cloudy in pm. 5 to 10 cm of snow, turning to rain in the evening. Southwest winds from 60 to 80 km/h. -7C with warming in late pm.
Wednesday: End of precipitation in AM. Northwest winds from 50 to 60 km/h. -23C.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
