Carefully observe how the new precipitation (snow or rain) will affect avalanche conditions in the mountains and adjust your decisions accordingly. The danger rating will increase throughout the day with the arrival of the storm.
Snow accumulations expected on Monday will be accompanied by strong to extreme winds. New wind slabs reactive to rider traffic may form throughout the day on Monday. Strong winds tend to form wind slabs lower in the slopes. Cross-loading may also occur. Wind slabs could range from 10 to 40 cm in thickness.
Small natural loose snow avalanches were observed on Sunday on south-facing slopes at treeline. These avalanches were triggered by solar warming.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
By Monday evening, we expect up to 10 cm of new snow before precipitation transitions to rain.
At all elevations, a hard melt-freeze crust, icy in places, is present either at the snow surface or buried under 5 to 30 cm of light or wind-affected snow.
Below treeline, another thin and friable melt-freeze crust is present under about 10 cm of light snow. A newly formed sun crust is also present at the surface on solar aspects.
At mid-elevations, the average snowpack depth is around 140 cm.
WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS
A significant low-pressure system will pass through the central part of the province on Monday, generating strong southerly winds in the Chic-Chocs. Precipitation will begin as snow before changing to rain.
Sunday evening and night: Increasing cloudiness late this evening followed by snow beginning during the night. Accumulation 2 to 5 cm. South wind 20 to 40 km/h. Low -12°C.
Monday: Snow changing to freezing rain in the afternoon. Rain in the evening. Accumulation of 5 to 10 cm of snow and 10 mm of rain. South wind 70 to 90 km/h. High +1°C. Freezing level at 3000 m.
Tuesday: Intermittent rain. Accumulation of 10 to 15 mm. Southwest wind 60 to 80 km/h. High +12°C. Freezing level at 3500 m.
Wednesday: Intermittent snow. Accumulation of 2 to 6 cm. West wind 30 to 50 km/h. High -19°C.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
