A lot more rain, sometimes turning to heavy snow, is forecast for Friday. This will put considerable pressure on the snowpack, and it would be wise to avoid avalanche terrain until Saturday.
Summary
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
Few observations in the field today. Le Couloir reported an avalanche of wet loose snow : https://www.facebook.com/share/r/15tZh46rBH/
If you are out in the backcountry, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Moist snow on the surface, which could form a crust before the snowfall forecast for Friday afternoon. Snow cover in the alpine has probably diminished considerably due to extreme southerly winds, rain and high temperatures.
The middle of the snowpack is well consolidated, resting on a layer of rounding facets. The height of the snowpack currently varies from 100 cm to 200 cm.
Weather Summary
WEATHER FOR THE CRESTS AND SUMMITS OF CHIC-CHOCS
From Friday afternoon to Saturday morning, heavy snow is expected, followed by persistent blowing snow until Saturday night.
Thursday evening and night: Rainfall 5 to 10 mm. Southeast winds 5 to 15 km/h. Low +1 °C.
Friday: Rain turning to snow in the early afternoon. Risk of freezing rain in the morning. Accumulations of 5 to 7 mm of rain and 10 to 15 cm of snow. Westerly winds of 30 to 50 km/h. Temperatures stable near 0°C during the day, dropping to -15°C overnight on Friday.
Saturday: Intermittent snow. Accumulation of 2 to 5 cm of snow. Winds from the west at 40 to 60 km/h. Maximum of -14 °C.
Sunday: Alternating sun and clouds. Northwest winds 30 to 50 km/h. Maximum -12 °C.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy rain.
- 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.
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 7th, 2025 3:00PM
