Extreme cold and strong winds can quickly worsen the consequences of an avalanche accident. You will find great conditions in areas sheltered from the wind and below tree line.
Wind slabs are mainly found in alpine terrain and at the tree line. They are approximately 20 to 40 cm thick and can be triggered by a skier.
No new avalanche observations reported.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
In alpine terrain and at treeline, the snowpack is characterized by alternating wind-blown snow and layers of wind slabs.
Below 600 m elevation, a brittle melt-freeze crust is present at a depth of approximately 10 to 20 cm.
The first two-thirds of the snowpack are gradually denser. At its base, there is a combination of crusts and facets resting on the ground.
The average height of the snowpack at mid-mountain is approximately 120 cm.
The weekend will be marked by the arrival of an Arctic northwesterly flow bringing intense cold and strong winds.
Friday evening and night: Partly cloudy. Snow up to 2 cm. Winds from the west 20 to 50 km/h. Low −17°C.
Saturday: Mostly sunny. Light snow. Northwest winds 20 to 60 km/h. High -24°C.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. Northwest winds 40 to 50 km/h. High -22°C.
Monday: Cloudy. Snow 1 to 2 cm. Winds from the east at 20 km/h. High -14°C.
