Accumulations may exceed forecasts in some areas on Thursday.
Be extra vigilant in wind-loaded terrain if the amounts received exceed those anticipated.
The extent of the wind slab problem will depend on the amount of snowfall between now and Thursday evening. If accumulations exceed weather forecasts, be extra vigilant in alpine terrain, such as that found on Mount Albert.
Wind slabs usually form below ridges and convex terrain. They may also be found in areas with lateral loading at the tree line.
No new avalanches reported or observed.
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: north and west-facing aspects are mostly scoured, while other aspects offer a mix of wind-affected snow, stacked older wind slabs, and about 10 cm of light surface snow in lee areas.
Below treeline, 10–15 cm of powder overlies a progressively denser snowpack down to the crust formed on December 20.
A new sun crust is present on steep south-facing aspects.
The average snowpack depth at mid-mountain is approximately 120 cm.
WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS
A low-pressure system passing south of Gaspésie on Wednesday will bring cloud cover and a few snow flurries.
Wednesday evening and night: Snow, 2 to 5 cm. Wind from the northeast at 20 to 40 km/h. Low -10.
Thursday: Cloudy. Light snow, 1 to 2 cm. Wind from the northwest at 40 to 60 km/h. High -13 °C.
Friday: Sunny. Northwest wind 40 to 60 km/h. High -12°C.
Saturday: Sunny. Northwest wind 15 to 25 km/h. High -9°C.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
