Avalanche forecast

Chic-Choc Mountains

Apr 25 – 26, 2025Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired last year

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

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.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2

    The weak overnight refreezing, along with the rain and warmth, could weaken the cornices on Sunday.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    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.

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 drier—sometimes even icy—on 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.

Regions covered