The heavier-than-expected precipitation raised the rating to Considerable in the alpine on Wednesday. It's essential to give the new wind slabs time to stabilize. You should also take into account the return of cold weather when making your decisions.
Wind slabs will continue to form in the north-westerly lee, under the summit ridges and convexities of the alpine and in cross-loaded areas at treeline. Natural avalanches are possible in the alpine.
20 to 25 cm of very light snow were added to the snowpack on Monday night. The moderate to strong north-westerly wind redistributed the snow on the leeward slopes, creating great variability in the alpine and at the treeline.
Below the treeline and in areas sheltered from the wind, there was between 25 and 50 cm of powder, depending on the area. The middle of the snowpack appears to be fairly stable, although flat-faced grains are developing near the crusts at its base. At mid-mountain, snow depth varies between 100 and 140 cm.
WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND SUMMITS
A few sunny spells and cold temperatures on Wednesday.
Tuesday evening and night: A few snow showers, 2 to 4 cm. Wind northwest 40 to 60 km/h. Low -28.
Wednesday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind northwest 20 to 40 km/h. High -20.
Thursday: Cloudy, a few snow showers possible. Wind southwest 10 to 20 km/h. High -11.
Friday: Snow 5 to 10 cm. Wind west 30 to 50 km/h. High -5.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
