Chic-Choc Mountains

Watch for signs of instability before committing to high consequence terrain. Wind slabs can be found in isolated areas on several aspects.

At time of publication, no new avalanches had been observed or reported.

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In general, at all elevations, 15 to 35 cm of snow are covering the March 26 melt freeze crust. Sunshine has affected the surface of the slopes on the solar aspects, but cold temperatures have kept the snow lighter on the northern aspects.

In the alpine and treeline, strong winds have redistributed these accumulations, forming an interface of soft and hard slabs that are upside down in some places.

The middle of the snowpack is well consolidated, and of increasing density, interspersed with several melt freeze crusts from the last few weeks.

Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits.

Synopsis: The low-pressure system that will bring a few centimetres Tuesday night will fade Wednesday morning and should bring back some sun.

Tuesday night and overnight: Cloudy. 2 to 3 cm of snow. Winds from 45 to 50 km/h from the northwest. Min -10C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny. No precipitation. Winds from 15 to 20 km/h from the north, northwest. Max. -10C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Thursday: Cloudy. Mix of freezing rain and snow. Winds from 45 to 50 km/h from the south. Temperature inversion, -6C down in the valley and +4C on the summits.

Friday: Cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. Wind 45 to 50 km/h from the west. -8C.

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

• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Caution around convexities or sharp changes in terrain.
• Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.