Wind slabs are still reactive in our stability tests and could be triggered by a rider. Take the time to observe the snowpack and terrain, and identify terrain features of concern.
New wind slabs are forming on north and northeast aspects due to strong southwest winds on Sunday. Their thickness is estimated to be between 5 and 15 cm.
Wind slabs that formed early last week on east to southwest aspects are still reactive in our stability tests. Their thickness ranges from 10 to 40 cm. Avoid wind-loaded areas until the wind slabs have had time to stabilize.
No new avalanches reported or observed.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Strong winds have created high variability in the alpine and at treeline: conditions range from scoured areas to stacked wind slabs and wind-compacted snow.
In wind-sheltered areas, 30–40 cm of low-density snow remains at the surface. Below 600 m elevation, a friable melt-freeze crust formed last Thursday is present at a depth of approximately 5–10 cm.
The December 20 crust is now buried at a depth of about 60–110 cm. The faceted grains at its surface are rounding and showing decreasing reactivity in stability tests. This layer appears to be gradually gaining strength.
The average snowpack depth at mid-elevations is approximately 120 cm.
WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS
Calm conditions on Monday, ahead of the arrival of a low-pressure system that will cross the Gaspé peninsula on Tuesday.
Sunday evening and night: Mostly cloudy. Southeast winds up to 15 km/h. Low of −11 °C.
Monday: Mostly cloudy. West winds up to 15 km/h. High of −8 °C.
Tuesday: Snow. Accumulation of 6 to 8 cm. Southwest winds at 20 to 40 km/h. High of −11 °C.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny. West winds at 50 to 70 km/h. High of −20 °C.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
