Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Chic-Chocs.
Recent snow rests on a very firm crust, providing excellent sliding conditions and making travel difficult. Be sure to carefully assess the slope before engaging, especially if it is steep and exposed.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported or observed.
If you are heading into the backcountry, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
On leeward slopes, 10 to 15 cm of recent snow sits atop a solid melt-freeze crust formed on March 21st.
In the alpine and at treeline, this new snow overlies various surfaces such as a crust, wind-affected pockets, or bare ground. In areas of maximum loading on lee slopes, isolated spots can be found where accumulations may reach up to 20 cm.
At mid-mountain, the snowpack height ranges from 60 to 150 cm.
Weather Summary
Skiing under the sun on Sunday before an uncertain weather cocktail for Monday and Tuesday
Saturday evening and night: A few clouds. Northwest wind at 10 to 30 km/h. Minimum temperature -16°C.
Sunday: Generally sunny. Light northwest wind. Maximum temperature -6°C. Freezing level at 200 m.
Monday: Snow, 5 to 10 cm, followed by rain and/or freezing rain in the afternoon. Southeast wind at 40 to 70 km/h. Maximum temperature -1°C. Freezing level rises to 2700 m.
Tuesday: Rain in the morning. West wind at 30 to 50 km/h. Cooling down, maximum temperature 0°C. Freezing level drops to sea level in the afternoon.
For more details, read the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- A hard crust on the snow surface will help strengthen the snowpack, but may cause tough travel conditions.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs could be present in isolated terrain features, such as in laterally loaded areas and under ridges and terrain convexities. These rests on a crust that forms a good sliding surface for avalanches.
Aspects: North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5