Avalanche Forecast

Several size 1 to 2 avalanches were reported on south-facing slopes, including a size 2 avalanche accidentally triggered by a skier on a south-facing slope with a crown around 50 cm thick.

If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

We find great spatial variability in the mountains due to the strong to extreme winds that have accompanied recent storms.

At mid-mountain, in areas sheltered from the wind, 50 to 60 cm of snow rests on a thin friable crust. Beneath this crust, a further 20 cm or so of snow covered the very firm crust of March 10. Solar aspect have been affected by the sun.

The middle of the snowpack is very well consolidated down to the ground. The average snow depth is around 130-160 cm.

Synopsis: A ridge of high pressure stationed directly over the Chic-Chocs will give us another beautiful day in the mountains on Tuesday. Things will start to turn nasty from Tuesday evening, with freezing rain turning to rain.

Monday evening and night: Clear. Light southerly wind, 15 to 20 km/h. Low -10.

Tuesday: Sunny. Wind southeast, 30 to 40 km/h. Maximum +5. Mountain inversion. 10 mm of freezing rain expected overnight.

Wednesday: Rain. 10 mm. Strong south-westerly wind, 60 to 80 km/h. High +7. Mountain inversion. Freezing level at 3,000 m.

Thursday: Cloudy. Moderate southwesterly wind, 20 to 40 km/h. High +8. Freezing level at 2,000 m.

For more details, check out the most recent alpine weather forecast.

• Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
• Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
• Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
• The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.