Isolated wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline still need to be watched as they continue to react to testing above the crust which is a favorable sliding plane for avalanches. Remember that with a MODERATE danger rating, they may only require the passage of a skier or snowboarder to trigger.
Winds from all directions have greatly moved the available snow to form isolated wind slabs that are found in downwind areas in the alpine and in cross loaded areas at treeline. The wind slabs directly cover the January 18 ice crust which could be a favorable sliding plane for avalanches.
No new avalanche was observed or reported.
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In general, there are 25 to 40 cm of snow on top of the January 18 crust. This new snow was moved extensively by moderate to strong winds from all directions to form a wide variety of surfaces, ranging from hard wind slabs to crust in the alpine, to lower density snow and soft slabs in sheltered areas and below treeline. Testing over the past few days has produced constant results on interfaces in new snow and above the crust.
Below the January 18th crust is a generally well settled 15 to 20 cm of snow, resting on the facet from the decomposition of the January 2nd melt freeze crust. This interface sits on a mix of laminated crusts and facets at the base of the snowpack.
In general, the height of the snowpack varies from 50 to 70 cm in the valley to 100 to 140 cm mid-mountain.
Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits.
Synopsis: A low system from Ohio will bring snow beginning late Sunday.
Saturday evening and night: Flurries at times heaving followed by clearing, 3-5 cm, westerly winds 30 to 50 km/h, minimum -20 C, freezing level at valley bottom.
Sunday: Mainly sunny followed by increasing cloudiness near noon then light snow beginning late in the afternoon, westerly winds 15 to 30 km/h, maximum -15 C, freezing level at valley bottom.
Monday: Snow, 5-10 cm, southwesterly winds 20 to 30 km/h, maximum -14 C, freezing level at valley bottom.
Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud followed by clearing, 2-3 cm, maximum -15 C, freezing level at valley bottom.
For more details, check the Alpine Weather Forecast.
