Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Chic-Chocs.
The impact of the upcoming weather mix on avalanche danger remains uncertain. Take a cautious approach when selecting your routes and be prepared to adjust your plans based on changing conditions on the ground.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
An accidental wind slab avalanche was triggered on Saturday, March 29, on a convexity of the Grande Cuve on Mount Albert. https://avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/b52e9a43-0d54-11f0-b10d-0a58a9feac02
If you are heading into the backcountry, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Before the arrival of the depression, a new layer of snow, 10 to 15 cm thick, was observed in wind-sheltered areas, covering a thick and firm crust of refrozen snow formed on March 21.
In the alpine and at the treeline, this new snow covers various surfaces such as the crust, pockets of wind-affected snow, or bare ground. In areas with maximum wind loading, accumulations of up to 20 to 25 cm on the crusts are found in isolated spots.
At mid-mountain, the snowpack thickness ranges from 60 to 150 cm.
Weather Summary
A weather cocktail from Colorado is bringing snow, rain, sleet, and freezing rain.
Sunday evening and night: Snow 4 to 7 cm. South wind at 15 to 25 km/h. Minimum -9.
Monday: Snow and sleet, 3 to 5 cm, followed by freezing rain and rain in the afternoon. South wind at 40 to 70 km/h. Maximum -2. The freezing level rises to 1450 m during the night from Monday to Tuesday.
Tuesday: Rain in the morning. West wind at 40 to 60 km/h. Cooling down, maximum 0. The freezing level drops back to sea level in the afternoon.
Wednesday: Sunny. Northwest wind at 20 to 40 km/h. Maximum -11.
For more details, read the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
- Avalanche danger will rapidly increase if snow switches to rain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
The new snow, accompanied by strong south winds, could form isolated reactive wind slabs. These could rest directly on a refrozen crust, providing an excellent sliding layer.
Aspects: North, North East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Wet
Depending on the amount of heat and rain received on Monday afternoon, a wet loose avalanche problem could appear on steep slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5