Chic-Choc Mountains

Preferred loading areas may have received significantly more snow accumulation than anticipated due to high winds. Be on the lookout for signs of wind slabs.

Moderate

• Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.
• Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.

The southern slopes will be significantly affected by strong southerly winds overnight on Friday. Leeward slopes will receive highly variable amounts of snow, but areas prone to snow loading could receive between 10 and 25 cm of wind-driven snow.

In sheltered areas, there is 25 to 35 cm of snow of varying density on the surface. Flat-faced grains are found on the December 20 refreeze crust, which is between 30 and 50 cm deep.

The average snowpack depth at mid-mountain ranges from 55 to 110 cm.

WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS

A Colorado low accompanied by high humidity and a cold front will bring light snowfall until late morning on Saturday.

Friday evening and night: Snow up to 10 cm. Winds from the south at 30 km/h with gusts to 50 km/h, becoming light overnight. High -1.

Saturday: Snow 5 to 10 cm possible. Winds from the west at 10 to 50 km/h. Low -13.

Sunday: Snow up to 10 cm. Winds from the east 10 to 50 km/h. Low -13.

Monday: Snow up to 15 cm. Winds from the east 10 to 50 km/h. High -11.

For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.

• Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.