Chic-Choc Mountains

We're in a melt-freeze cycle, and the avalanche risk could increase during the day if strong solar radiation warms up the snow surface.

No new avalanches observed or reported.

If you are out in the backcountry, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

A melt-freeze crust is present at all altitudes and on all aspects. Solar warming and warm temperatures should soften the surface during the day, creating pleasant spring skiing conditions.

Beneath this crust, there is between 5 and 40 cm of moist snow resting on a melt-freeze crust formed on March 7. The middle of the snowpack is moist.

In the alpine and at treeline, there is little snow on all but the eastern slopes. At mid-mountain, snowpack thickness varies between 70 and 150 cm.

WEATHER FOR THE CRESTS AND SUMMITS OF CHIC-CHOCS

Sunshine and mild temperatures for Thursday, but very windy.

Wednesday evening and night: Partly cloudy. Wind southwest, 50 to 70 km/h. Low -3.

Thursday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind south, 60 to 80 km/h. High +9. Freezing level at 3000 m.

Friday: Cloudy. Possible 1 to 3 mm rain. Light southerly becoming light northerly. High +5. Freezing level at 2100 m.

Saturday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind northwest, 10 to 30 km/h. High +2. Freezing level at 1000 m.

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

• A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
• Be careful with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.