Wind slabs may still be unstable in places. It's crucial to assess and test the slope carefully before setting off.
Recent wind slabs rest on the crust formed after the thaw. On certain slopes, a layer of faceted grains has formed above this crust, creating an excellent sliding layer. This combination of grains is not found everywhere, so it is important to carefully assess the slope before skiing.
A few very small wet loose avalanches were observed on Thursday on southern aspects.
If you are out in the backcountry, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
A new surface crust has probably developed on sunny slopes due to Thursday's sunshine. In areas sheltered from the wind, there is between 5 and 30 cm of new snow on top of a refreezing crust.
As a general rule, west- and north-facing slopes, both in the alpine and at treeline, are bare or crust-covered. Snowpack thickness varies between 100 cm and 200 cm.
WEATHER FOR THE CRESTS AND SUMMITS OF CHIC-CHOCS
Thursday evening and night: Partly cloudy. Wind southwest 35 to 60 km/h becoming light. Low -9.
Friday: Becoming cloudy in the morning, followed by a few flurries. Accumulation of 2 to 4 cm. Wind 30 to 50 km/h from the west. High -3. Freezing level at 500 m.
Saturday: Intermittent snow. Snow flurries possible, 4 to 6 cm. Wind southwest, 30 to 50 km/h. High -1. Inversion in the afternoon.
Sunday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind 40 to 70 km/h from the south. Maximum +8. Freezing level at 3500 m.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
