Although we are not yet in a freeze-thaw cycle that brings us the long-awaited "corn snow", we are well into spring in the mountains.In spring, the index fluctuates during the same day according to the freezing level, heat, precipitation and solar radiation. This is why we switch to the spring hazard index. To prepare for your trip to the mountains, check out the section on avalanche problems and the associated travel tips. They will be adjusted each day according to the forecasted scenario.
To learn about the different spring scenarios: https://www.avalanche.ca/spring-conditions
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported or observed.
Thanks for contributing to the collection of this valuable data by sharing with other users on the Mountain Information Network or by writing to us directly at bulletin@avalanchequebec.ca.
Snowpack Summary
Rain on Tuesday night and Wednesday continued to moisten the snowpack at all altitudes, before turning to snow on the summits Wednesday morning. A few centimeters of new heavy snow was added to the alpine snowpack before noon on Wednesday, before being warmed by the sun. On Thursday, we can expect the beginning of a surface crust above 800m ... which will be quickly warmed up in the afternoon. 15 to 30 cm of wet snow is therefore lying directly on a rather crumbly and increasingly imperceptible refreezing crust. The layer of wet snow on the surface will be more important with the loss of altitude at and below the treeline.The middle and the base of the snowpack is well consolidated, and of increasing density, interspersed with several crusts of refreeze from the last few weeks.
Weather Summary
Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits.
Synopsis: Some residual precipitation possible following the passage of the low, then milder weather for the end of the week.Wednesday evening and night: Partly cloudy, traces of snow possible. Wind 20 to 35 km/h from the northwest. Low -3.Thursday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind northwest, 30 km/h to 40 km/h. High +3. Frost level rising from 600 m to 2200 m in the afternoon.Friday: Sunny. Wind northwest, 30 to 50 km/h. High -1 . Freezing level at 600m.Saturday: Sunny. Wind northwest at 15 km/h. Max +1. Freezing level at 700m.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Even small cornices may have enough mass to be destructive and deadly.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.
- Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.
Problems
Loose Wet
The afternoon sun could warm up the surface snow and create small wet loose snow avalanches , especially on steep terrain.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
In the afternoon, a rapid warming of temperatures, as well as intense solar radiation, could weaken the cornices.
Aspects: East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 13th, 2023 3:00PM
