Strong westerly winds will contribute to the formation of new wind slabs on east-facing aspects. Cold temperatures will slow the stabilization process and complicate search and rescue operations in the event of an accident. It would be wise to avoid committing terrain over the coming days.
We received 15–20 cm of snow overnight from Monday to Tuesday. This snowfall was accompanied by strong westerly winds, and the winds will continue through Thursday. Wind slab thickness is estimated to range from 20 to 60 cm. These new wind slabs are overlying older wind slabs that may still react to the passage of skiers.
On Tuesday, at treeline, there was cracking in the soft wind slabs in formation.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Between Monday and Tuesday evening, we received 15–20 cm of new snow. In alpine terrain and near treeline, we are finding a combination of wind-affected snow and overlapping wind slabs.
In wind-sheltered areas, there is 30–40 cm of low-density snow at the surface. Below 600 m elevation, a friable melt-freeze crust formed last Thursday is present at a depth of approximately 10–20 cm.
The December 20 crust is now buried at a depth of 60–110 cm. The faceted grains at its surface are slowly rounding and are becoming less reactive in stability tests. This layer appears to be gradually strengthening.
The average snowpack depth at mid-mountain is approximately 120 cm.
WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS
A cold front accompanied by strong westerly winds will move into the Gaspésie region from Tuesday evening through Thursday morning.
Tuesday evening and overnight: A few snow showers ending early. Accumulation of 1–2 cm. Westerly winds of 50–70 km/h. Low of −24 °C.
Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud. Westerly winds of 40–60 km/h. High of −16 °C.
Thursday: Intermittent snow. Accumulation of 4–6 cm. Southerly winds of 20–40 km/h. High of −12 °C.
Friday: A mix of sun and cloud. Westerly winds of 20–40 km/h. High of −14 °C.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
