New wind slabs are forming on northeast through south-facing aspects. They may react to the weight of riders, as wind slabs are most reactive during their formation. Seek areas that are not wind-loaded.
New wind slabs will form on Friday and Saturday with the new snow and moderate to strong northwest to southwest winds. Human-triggered avalanches are possible. We may encounter small, localized avalanches (size 1) as well as large avalanches (size 2) in isolated areas. Wind slabs are estimated to be 10 to 40 cm thick.
Small loose dry snow avalanches were observed on Friday in steep terrain, on slopes steeper than 40 degrees.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Strong winds have created highly variable conditions in the alpine and near treeline, with everything from scoured areas to hard wind slabs, wind-packed snow, and more recent, softer slabs.
We have received around 10 cm of new snow since Thursday. This snow is adding to the 30 to 40 cm of low-density snow from the storm earlier this week. Below 600 m in elevation, the new snow is sitting on a breakable melt freeze crust that formed on Thursday.
The December 20 crust is now located 70 to 110 cm below the surface and is in a degrading phase. The faceted grains above this crust are rounding due to warmer temperatures and are becoming less reactive in stability tests. This layer appears to be gradually strengthening.
The average snowpack depth at mid-elevation is approximately 120 cm.
WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS
A ridge of high pressure will settle directly over the Gaspé Peninsula, bringing generally sunny conditions along with light southwesterly winds.
Friday evening and overnight: Skies clearing overnight. Snow accumulation of 1 to 2 cm. Northwest winds at 30 to 60 km/h. Low of −17 °C.
Saturday: Sunny. Southwest winds at 20 to 40 km/h. High of −12 °C.
Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud. Southwest winds at 20 to 40 km/h. High of −8 °C.
Monday: Snow. Accumulation of 2 to 4 cm. Light winds. High of −6 °C. Freezing level near 300 m.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
