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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 1st, 2023–Apr 2nd, 2023
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Winds are back in force and will create dangerous conditions in alpine terrain.

Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features and be aware of the potential rider-triggered sluffs on steep slopes.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Friday, several skier-triggered avalanches were reported, including a wind slab on a leeward alpine feature and a storm slab on a sheltered slope at treeline. These avalanches (size 1 to 1.5) likely failed on a buried crust.

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 [email protected].

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20-30 cm of new snow has fallen into the Chic-Chocs in the last week. In the alpine and treeline, these accumulations bond well to a solid underlying crust. Moderate winds, which have been blowing only for the last 48 hours, brought greater accumulation on leeward slopes. Under this snow, a melt-freeze crust overlies 20 cm of denser snow. This crust is only present in solar aspects. Below treeline, the recent snow is still dry and powdery in places. The mid-snowpack is well consolidated, and of increasing density, interspersed with several melt-freeze crusts from the last few weeks.

Weather Summary

Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits.

Synopsis: A vigourous winter-like storm will keep impacting the region Saturday night with a strong southerly flow. A cold northwesterly flow will return Sunday, bringing well-below-average cold temperatures.

Saturday evening and night: Snow. Local amount 10-15 cm. Moderate southeasterly winds gusting 50 km/h. Low of -5 C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Sunday: Isolated flurries up to 2 cm. Strong northwesterly winds gusting 60 km/h. High of -10 C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Monday: A mix of sun and clouds. Moderate westerly winds gusting 40 km/h. High of -6 C. Freezing level at valley bottom. 5 cm of snow at night.

Tuesday: Isolated flurries. Moderate westerly winds gusting 40 km/h. High of -4 C. Freezing level rises to 500m.

For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong forecasted wind combined with recent accumulations and upcoming storm snow will develop reactive wind slabs on lee alpine features and cross-loaded areas. Rider-triggered avalanches are likely on steep, supported convex terrain. Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2