Recently formed wind slabs are gradually stabilizing, but avalanches can still be triggered in areas of snow accumulation and on convexities. Travel with caution and remember that the best riding conditions are found below treeline.
In the terrain and at treeline, wind slabs 20–50 cm thick may still be triggered by a rider. These slabs have formed below convexities, terrain breaks, beneath ridgelines, and in laterally loaded areas near treeline. A cycle of natural avalanches occurred from Friday to Saturday. The wind slabs are gradually stabilizing.
A size 2 avalanche was triggered by a skier/snowboarder on a southeast-facing slope at Mont Albert on Sunday.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
In the alpine and at treeline, the snowpack shows strong spatial variability, ranging from wind-scoured slopes to areas of hardened snow accumulation.
In wind-sheltered areas below 700 m, surface hoar is present. 20 to 25 cm of recent, light snow rest on a gradually densifying snowpack. A layer of faceted grains is locally present 40–60 cm below the surface but is currently of limited concern due to the low density of the overlying snow.
The December 20 crust is found 60–100 cm below the surface. The base of the snowpack is highly faceted. Average snow depth at mid-elevation is approximately 120 cm.
WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS
Significant wind chill in the mountains on Monday, followed by milder conditions by midweek.
Sunday night: Increasing cloudiness overnight. North winds 30–50 km/h. Low of -13 °C.
Monday: Mostly cloudy. North winds 25–45 km/h. High of -10 °C.
Tuesday: Sunny. Light southerly winds. High of -8 °C.
Wednesday: Cloudy. Light southerly winds. High of -8 °C.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
