Some new snow above the widespread melt-freeze crust keeps the avalanche danger rating low, but also limited and difficult travel and skiing conditions.
The rain on Saturday will not improve the conditions in the mountains at all.
Small isolated wind slabs are possible at the top of eastern lee slopes, in depressions and gullies and in cross loading areas. These cover a crust which could potentially form an excellent sliding surface.
No new avalanche activity has been observed or reported. Please share your observations at [email protected], or with the Mountain Information Network.
About 5 to 10 cm of new snow covers the widespread melt-freeze crust 1 to 4 cm thick present at all aspects and elevations. Isolated pockets in localized leeward depressions can reach 15 to 20 cm in places.
At the start of the season, the height of the snowpack varies from 30 to 50 cm in general and up to 70 to 80 cm in the areas of maximum accumulation. The conditions remain marginal, with barely enough snow to cover the obstacles and a crust that makes travel difficult and perilous.
Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summitsA Colorado low will affect the Chic-Chocs with snow changing to rain on Saturday.This evening and tonight: Becoming cloudy, south-westerly winds 60 to 80 km/h, low of -8 C and freezing level at valley bottom.
Saturday: Snow beginning in the morning (3-5 cm) then changing to rain in the afternoon (10-15 mm), south-westerly winds 90 to100 km/h, high of +5 C and freezing level at 1500 m.
Sunday: A mix of sun and clouds, 2-3 cm of snow, westerly winds 40 to 50 km/h, high of -5 C and freezing level back to valley bottom.
Monday: Sunny, south-westerly winds 50 to 80 km/h, high of -5 C and freezing level at valley bottom.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
