Without overnight freezing and due to the warm weather, the snowpack becomes less and less cohesive as the day goes on. It’s best to head out into the mountains early rather than late.
The collapse of cornices can trigger larger wet loose snow avalanches. Cornices are found primarily on east to southwest slopes of Mount Albert.
Warm temperatures and sunshine could lead to small wet loose snow avalanches, whether natural or triggered by skiers, on steep south-facing slopes especially. If you sink in up to your ankles, conditions are prone to avalanches. Stay alert near rocky cliffs and natural traps.
Small loose snow avalanches were observed on Tuesday in the alpine on sun-exposed slopes at Mont-Albert.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
In alpine terrain and at treeline, the snowpack is gradually transitioning toward an isothermal state. Below treeline, this process is complete, and you can easily sink up to your waist when you remove your travel equipment.
The snowpack is melting rapidly.
At mid-mountain, the average snowpack depth is around 80 to 110 cm.
WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS
The nice weather is gradually giving way to rain in the Chic-Chocs, ushering in a cooler start to May with temperatures below seasonal averages.
Wednesday evening and night: Cloudy. South wind 10 to 30 km/h. Low 0°C. Freezing level up to 2,200 m.
Thursday: Sun and clouds alternating. Southeast wind 30 to 50 km/h. High 10°C. Freezing level at 2,000 m.
Friday: Intermittent rain, 5 to 10 mm. Southeast wind 60 to 80 km/h. High 6°C. Freezing level at 2000 m.
Saturday: Rain showers clearing early in the morning. Northwest wind 10 to 40 km/h. High 4°C. Freezing level at 1000 m.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
