Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Chic-Chocs.
*** A special avalanche watch is activated for areas outside our forecast zone ***
The avalanche danger remains CONSIDERABLE in the alpine and at the treeline. The best skiing and safety conditions are to be found sheltered from the wind, on gentle slopes below the treeline.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Very limited observations, very few people in the mountains on Tuesday. A few signs of instability observed on our travels. No avalanches observed or reported.
If you are out in the backcountry, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Between Sunday evening and Tuesday morning, between 50 and 70 cm of snow fell, depending on the area. In areas sheltered from the wind, mainly below the treeline, this accumulation rested on a well-consolidated snowpack. However, a significant layer of facetted grains persists at the base of the snowpack.
The wind has strongly reshaped the landscape in the alpine and at the treeline, creating great spatial variability, even on the lee side. There is a marked alternation between large snowdrifts, hardened surfaces and eroded areas. The southern slopes seem to have been particularly favoured by snow transport, although our observations in alpine terrain remain limited for the time being.
Weather Summary
WEATHER FOR THE CRESTS AND SUMMITS OF CHIC-CHOCS
A high-pressure ridge brings calm after the storm
Tuesday evening and night: Cloudy, light snow. Wind northwest, 20 to 30 km/h. Low -6.
Wednesday: Cloudy. Wind northwest, 20 to 40 km/h. High -5.
Thursday: Sunny. Wind northwest, 10 to 20 km/h. High -4.
Friday: Sunny. Wind northwest, 20 to 40 km/h. High -8.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Significant reactive wind slabs can be expected under ridges and convexities on the southern slopes and laterally loaded on the east and west aspects. Our observations at Hog's Back suggest that the north is rather snow-free, but keep an eye out for signs of recent loading.
Aspects: North East, East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3
Loose Dry
In steep and/or gullied terrain, where the snow is not slabby, it would be possible to trigger dry loose avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2