Let's keep our fingers crossed that the Grinch (ice pellets and rain) will not spoil the long-awaited snowstorm.
Altogether, avalanche danger will increase on Saturday.
If you venture into the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations.
Touchy storm slabs will develop with forecasted snow amounts. Human triggering is likely on leeward slopes and cross-loaded features. Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
No new avalanche activity has been observed or reported. Please continue to share your observations at [email protected], or with the Mountain Information Network.
In general, 10 to 20 cm of low-density snow is found in wind-sheltered areas. On leeward slopes, this new snow overlies a hard surface or wind-affected snow. The thick December 8 crust is buried down 20-50 cm. This crust supports a skier's weight... and even more! The average snowpack height is still very thin, averaging around 50 to 65 cm at mid-mountain.Despite the fresh snow supply, snow conditions remain hazardous. Crust and obstacles such as rocks, stumps, trees and trunks can still be found barely buried under this white blanket.
Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits. A major weather system coming from the Great Lakes will move on Friday night. A wintery mix of precipitation and extreme south winds are expected. Cold will return for the weekend.
Friday night and evening : Snow. Ice pellet. Rain. Total of 15-25 cm. Southeasterly winds gusting over 100 km/h. High of -2C. Freezing level at 500 m overnight.Saturday: Lingering flurries 2-5 cm. Southwest winds 40 km/h gusting to 60 km/h. High of -6C. Freezing level back to the valley bottom.
Sunday: A mix of sun and clouds. Isolated snow flurries. Southwest winds 40 km/h. High of -10CMonday: A mix of sun and clouds. Isolated snow flurries. Westerly winds 40 km/h. High of -12C.
For more details, check out the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
