Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Chic-Chocs.
A good deal of relatively heavy snow has fallen on the Chic-Chocs, and a little more is expected between now and Tuesday evening. Beware of the wind slabs in the mountains, but also of the stumps and rocks that are sometimes barely covered with snow.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been observed or reported over the last few days.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
The winter storm that began on Sunday evening has so far dumped between 25 and 45 cm of new, relatively heavy snow. There appears to be a little more snow in the southern part of the forecast area. This snow either lies directly on the ground or on a refreezing crust, which is present at all elevations and on all aspects.
The weather of the past two weeks has had the effect of prematurely melting the snowpack in the mountains. In many places, there is almost no snow left.
Weather Summary
Synopsis: The winter storm will continue until Tuesday evening, leaving an additional accumulation of 10 to 25 cm. A slight thaw is forecast for Wednesday, so it's better to take advantage of the skiing sooner rather than later.
Monday evening and night: Snow. 5 to 10 cm. Northeast wind, 20 to 40 km/h. Minimum -5.
Tuesday: Snow. 10 to 15 cm. Wind north, 20 to 40 km/h. Maximum -3. Freezing level at 500 m.
Wednesday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind northeast, 10 to 20 km/h. High +2. Freezing level at 700 m.
Thursday: Cloudy. Wind southeast, 10 to 20 km/h. Maximum +2. Freezing level at 700 m.
For more details, check out the most recent alpine weather forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Be cautious of buried obstacles especially below treeline.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Sunday evening's storm was accompanied by strong to extreme winds from the south and southeast. Snow transport at treeline by northerly and northeasterly winds was observed on Monday. Temperatures at treeline were relatively warm at the start of the storm. We therefore suspect that the wind slabs are adhering rather well to the old surface, the refreezing crust. For more information on winter storms in spring, you can watch the video ''Froid et neigeux'' in the spring ski series on our website.
Aspects: North, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5