Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 10th, 2023 2:30PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada jpgagnon, Avalanche Canada

Email

With all the icy surfaces at higher elevations, it is best to limit your travel and stay below the tree line to take advantage of the best snow

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche has been observed or reported in the last 24 hours.

Thanks for contributing to the collection of this valuable data by sharing with other users on the Mountain Information Network or by writing to us directly at bulletin@avalanchequebec.ca.

Snowpack Summary

At higher elevations, much of the surface was eroded to the January 18th crust by the strong westerly winds of last weekend. The 5 to 10 cm of snow received today was blown by the southeast wind and cross loaded accumulations were observed. Below the treeline, 40 to 50 cm of less wind-affected snow was found on top of the decaying January 18th crust.

In general, snowpack heights range from 70-90 cm in the valley to 100-150 cm in the mid-mountains.

Weather Summary

Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits.

Synopsis: The low pressure system from Colorado will affect the area again on Saturday and will be followed by a less intense one on Sunday.

Friday night and overnight: Blowing snow. 4 cm of snow. Wind northwest 30 to 50 km/h. Min. -12 C.

Saturday: Cloudy. 3 cm of snow. Wind northwest 30 to 50 km/h. Max. -15 C.

Sunday: Cloudy. 2 cm of snow. Wind west 40 to 80 km/h. Max. -9 C.

Monday: Sunny. Wind southeast 10 to 20 km/h. Max. -11 C.

For more details, check the Alpine Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

The 5 to 10 cm of snow and moderate to strong northwest winds tonight and Saturday could form new wind slabs. Since many surfaces are icy, they may not have very good traction.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

A layer with slab properties overlies a layer of facets over the January 18th crust. The likelihood of triggering an avalanche on this interface is unlikely, but the consequence of an event on this layer would be a large avalanche. Keep an eye out in areas where the snowpack is thinner.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Feb 11th, 2023 3:00PM