The time of arrival and intensity of the weather system remain uncertain. Snowpack stability will deteriorate rapidly with rain and high temperatures.
Summary
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed or reported.
If you are out in the backcountry, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Rain, high temperatures and extreme southerly winds are likely to transform the snowpack considerably.
Over the course of Thursday, surface snow will become moist. Extreme winds will significantly reduce the amount of snow on the eastern and southern slopes. In the Alpine, the western and northern slopes already had limited snow cover, and are therefore also likely to be exposed, exposing the rock.
The middle of the snowpack is well consolidated, resting on a layer of rounding facets. The height of the snowpack currently varies from 120 cm to 220 cm.
Weather Summary
WEATHER FOR THE CRESTS AND SUMMITS OF CHIC-CHOCS
A deep low from Colorado will hit the Chic-Chocs from Wednesday evening, bringing rain and high temperatures.
Wednesday evening and night: Snow changing to freezing rain after midnight. Snow accumulation of 5 to 10 cm. Winds from the south at 50 to 70 km/h. Minimum -5°C.
Thursday: Freezing rain changing to rain in the morning. Rainfall expected to be 10 to 15 mm. Winds southeast, 80 to 110 km/h. Maximum +6 °C. Freezing level at 2500 m.
Friday: Rain turning to snow early afternoon. Accumulations of 5 to 7 mm of rain and 10 to 15 cm of snow. Westerly winds of 30 to 50 km/h. Temperature dropping to -15°C on Friday night.
Saturday: Intermittent snow. Accumulation of 2 to 5 cm of snow. Northwest winds, 50 to 60 km/h. Maximum of -14 °C.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy rain.
- The first few hours of rain will likely be the most dangerous period.
- Keep in mind that the high density of wet avalanches can make them destructive.
Problems
Loose Wet
The rain is likely to destabilize the light snow that was on the surface before the storm. Avalanche risk will increase during the day on Thursday.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wet Slabs
In places where a wind slab problem existed before the storm, rain could percolate to an underlying weak layer and trigger a wet slab. The probability is low, but the danger exists.
Aspects: North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 6th, 2025 3:00PM
