Wind slabs generally become firmer and more stubborn, but more reactive areas remain, where triggering by a skier or snowboarder is still possible.
Take the time to identify and assess wind-loaded slopes before committing to them.
In the alpine and at treeline, stacked wind slabs are present. Because the upper wind slabs are relatively hard, it is difficult for a skier to initiate a fracture that could trigger an avalanche. However, triggering one remains possible. Before committing to a descent, carefully evaluate the consequences of a release and choose your terrain accordingly.
No new avalanches reported or observed.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Recent strong winds have significantly redistributed snow in alpine terrain and at the tree line. Several aspects are bare. On leeward slopes, there is a combination of wind-blown snow and overlapping wind slabs of varying densities.
On the windward side, the snowpack is gradually becoming denser in its upper and middle layers, which is conducive to stability. However, cold weather has promoted the formation of a layer of faceted grains located about 20 to 40 cm below the surface. This fragile layer is not found everywhere. For now, the snow above this layer is very low in density, which limits its impact for the moment.
The cold weather has also promoted the development of faceted grains around the crust that formed on December 20. This layer is buried between 60 and 100 cm deep, depending on the area.
At the base of the snowpack, there is a succession of crusts and flat-faced grains down to the ground.
The average thickness of the snowpack at mid-mountain is about 120 cm.
WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS
A weak disturbance will bring us some snow and northwesterly winds.
Wednesday evening and night: Light snow. Northwest wind 30 to 50 km/h. Low -22.
Thursday: Intermittent snow. Total accumulation of 2 to 5 cm. Winds shifting to northeast at 10 to 20 km/h. High -17°C.
Friday: Cloudy, light snow. Accumulation of 1 to 3 cm. Northwest winds 20 to 40 km/h. High -13°C.
Saturday: Clearing. Light northwest wind. High -10.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
