Rain, temperatures above 0 °C, and the absence of overnight freezing will destabilize the surface snow, continuing to increase the risk of wet loose snow avalanches. The danger will be greatest at the onset of precipitation. Avoid steep slopes in alpine terrain and monitor changing conditions.
The collapse of cornices can trigger larger wet loose snow avalanches. Cornices are found primarily on the southeast, south, and southwest slopes of Mount Albert.
The rain and warm temperatures could destabilize the surface snow and trigger small wet loose snow avalanches. Pay special attention to steep slopes, areas near rocky cliffs, and natural traps, where even a small avalanche could have serious consequences.
Cornices could become unstable and may be prone to breaking off.
Several small, naturally triggered wet loose snow avalanches (size 1) were observed on south-facing slopes, particularly on steeper sections and near rocky areas.
A size 2 wet loose snow avalanche with a point release was also observed at the " mur des patrouilleurs ", below the Serpentine couloir. The suspected trigger was a cornice collapse (Nc), as fragments were observed in the deposit.
All of these were between 12 and 24 hours old.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
The surface snow will be unstable. Warm temperatures and rain will significantly reduce the depth of the snowpack, increasingly exposing surface features.
At mid-mountain elevations, the average snowpack depth is approximately 130 cm.
WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS
A low-pressure system will bring rain. As the system moves through, temperatures will drop below freezing and the rain will turn to snow.
Saturday evening and night: Partly cloudy. Southerly winds of 20 to 60 km/h with gusts up to 80 km/h. Low of 0 °C.
Sunday: Rainy, with up to 10 mm of accumulation, then snow overnight, with 10 to 20 cm of accumulation. Southerly winds of 30 to 60 km/h. High of 6 °C. Freezing level dropping from 3,000 to 150 m throughout the day.
Monday: Partly sunny. West wind 20 to 40 km/h. High of -5 °C.
Tuesday: Partly sunny. West wind 20 km/h. High of -3 °C.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
