In some areas, wind slabs may be reactive to human triggering. Pay attention to areas of wind loading and convexities.
The wind slab problem is fairly isolated but still reactive. New wind slabs formed on Wednesday below ridgelines and convexities, and these are overlying older, more stubborn wind slabs formed on Monday. The estimated thickness of the new wind slabs is around 10 cm, while the older slabs are around 60 cm thick.
No new avalanches were observed or reported.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
In alpine terrain, southwest to northwest aspects have been heavily wind affected. On east-facing slopes, you will find either powder snow or wind slabs.
A thin sun crust, formed on April 4, is present under approximately 30 cm of snow. It is producing results in tests and acted as the sliding surface for the avalanche at the patrollers’ wall on April 6.
In wind-sheltered areas, between 40 and 70 cm of snow overlies a widespread melt-freeze crust about 2 cm thick, which does not appear to be a concern at this time.
WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS
A strong low-pressure system will move into the Gaspésie Thursday afternoon, bringing strong winds and warm temperatures.
Wednesday evening and overnight: Partly cloudy. West wind at 30 to 50 km/h. Low of -8 °C.
Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. South winds increasing in the afternoon to 70 km/h. High of 2 °C. Freezing level at 1000 m.
Friday: Intermittent snow or rain. Accumulations of 1 to 4 cm of snow and/or 1 to 3 mm of rain. Southwest wind at 20 to 40 km/h. High of 4 °C. Freezing level at 1200 m.
Saturday: Snow showers. Accumulations of 5 to 10 cm. Northwest wind at 20 to 40 km/h. High of -4 °C.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
