Newly buried natural obstacles can create thick-to-thin areas where it is easier to trigger an avalanche.
Watch for slab properties and signs of instability before committing to your run.
A slab has developed during the various snow and wind events of the last few days, and sits on top of a lower density layer. Last night's precipitation may increase the sensitivity of this layer. This available snow could be transported by the moderate winds on Tuesday and increase the sensitivity.
A small slab avalanche was reported in the North Couloir of Hog's Back, but could not be investigated by our team.
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The snow events of the last 72 hours have left 25 to 35 cm of low density snow. This interface has, in places, a denser slab over a lower density layer. On the lee aspects of the northwest winds from the last few days, this new snow covers a variety of wind affected surfaces (soft slabs, hard slabs, wind lip), which overlies the crust. On windward aspects, this 25 to 35cm lies directly on the crust, which is found at all altitudes and generally supports the weight of a skier. This new snow does not yet bond well to the crust, which could make it difficult to travel in the alpine, as well as on steeper features. Crampons and ice axes are recommended.
The average height of the snowpack is still very thin, and extremely variable from one place to another.
Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits.
Synopsis: A low-pressure system will phase into a deeper low Monday night into Tuesday, bringing light, steady precipitations.
Monday night and overnight: Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 15 km/h winds from the northwest, with a brief easterly component. Min. -15C. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Tuesday: Cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. Winds from 30 to 45 km/h from the north. Max. -18C. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Wednesday: Clear. Trace of snow. Winds from 35 to 50km/h from the northwest. Max. -15C.
Thursday: Clear in the AM with 15 km/h winds from the southwest. In the PM, cloudy and wind picking up. Precipitation starting in the evening. Max. -12C
For more details, check out the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
