Small new wind slabs may form with the expected snowfall. Given the uncertainty surrounding the forecast amounts, you should consider raising the alpine terrain danger rating if snowfall exceeds forecasts.
Fresh snow may form small wind slabs beneath ridges and below convex features in alpine terrain, as well as in areas subject to lateral loading at the tree line. It remains unclear how well these slabs will adhere to any crust that may form prior to the snowfall.
Several small natural wet loose avalanches were observed on the steep southern and eastern slopes of the Coulée des Mélèzes on Mont Albert on Friday.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
In the alpine , the west-facing slopes have been heavily windswept. The north-east to south-facing slopes have more snow cover. The sun-facing slopes were affected by the warmth and sunshine on Thursday and Friday. There is a chance of a new crust forming on the surface there, or beneath a few centimetres of fresh snow on Saturday morning.
In areas sheltered from the wind, between 25 and 50 cm of moist snow lies on top of a widespread crust. The snow is moist in the top 10 to 20 cm, except on north facing slopes near the summits.
WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS
A passing low-pressure system is bringing us a bit of spring snow to kick off the weekend.
Friday evening and overnight: Snow, 3 to 5 cm. Light northerly wind. Low -3°C. Freezing level dropping to 350m.
Saturday: Intermittent snow. Accumulations of 3 to 5 cm. North-westerly wind of 20 to 40 km/h. Maximum -4°C. Freezing level dropping to sea level by the end of the day.
Sunday: Sunny. North-westerly wind 20–40 km/h. Maximum +1°C. Freezing level at 450m.
Monday: Rain or snow. South-westerly wind 30–60 km/h. Maximum 0°C. Freezing level at 450m.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
