Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Chic-Chocs.
FINAL BULLETIN OF THE SEASON – VALID FOR APRIL 26 AND 27, 2025
There is some uncertainty regarding the impact of Saturday’s weather system on avalanche danger. Depending on the amounts that fall, the new moist snow combined with rain could show signs of instability.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been observed or reported.
If you are out and about in the hinterland, please share your observations with the RIM ( Réseau d'Information en Montagne ).
Snowpack Summary
Rain at lower elevations and wet snow in alpine terrain expected on Saturday will fall on a typical spring snowpack: moist and subject to freeze-thaw cycles on south-facing slopes, colder and drierâsometimes even icyâon north-facing slopes.
Conditions are highly variable in alpine areas and near the treeline.
At mid-mountain elevation, snowpack depth ranges from 60 to 160 cm.
Weather Summary
WEATHER FOR THE RIDGES AND SUMMITS OF THE CHIC-CHOCS
A passing low-pressure system will bring rain and wet snow for the weekend.
Friday evening and night: Mostly cloudy. Light southeast wind. Low of -4°C. Freezing level drops to 700 m by Saturday morning.
Saturday: Wet snow or rain depending on elevation. Accumulation of 8 to 12 cm in alpine areas. Southeast wind at 30 to 40 km/h. High of 0°C. Freezing level at 900 m.
Sunday: Cloudy. Northeast wind from 30 to 60 km/h. High of +3°C. Freezing level at 2000 m.
Monday: Sunny. Light north wind. High of +5°C. Freezing level at 1800 m.
For more details, consult the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Travel early on sun-exposed slopes before cornices weaken with daytime warming.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Rain could destabilize the surface snow below and near the treeline. The new wet snow in alpine areas could be easily weakened by additional warmth or rainfall on Sunday. Extra caution is advised on steep slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Cornices
The weak overnight refreezing, along with the rain and warmth, could weaken the cornices on Sunday.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2