Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 21st, 2024 2:30PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
bwillard,
Avalanche Canada
Currently, the greatest danger in the mountains is hitting objects on the surface or barely covered in snow, such as rocks or branches.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported or observed.
If you go into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
The cold temperatures of the last few days have favoured the formation of near-surface facetting.
In the alpine and in wind-affected areas, on eastern and southern slopes, there is a succession of windslabs resting on facets.
A rain/solar crust, which formed on February 11, is present on steep solar slopes and below 500m altitude. The crust is covered by 5 to 15 cm of light snow.
The middle of the snowpack is well consolidated, resting on the December 30 combo of facets and crust. Facets and depth hoar are developing at the base of the snowpack.
Weather Summary
Synopsis: A weak low-pressure system over central Quebec will increase cloud cover in the Gaspé region from Thursday morning. A second low-pressure system will move in on Friday, bringing a few snow showers and, hopefully, 5 to 10 cm by Sunday.
Wednesday evening and night: Clear. Southwest wind, 20 to 30 km/h. Low -14.
Thursday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind south, 10 to 20 km/h. Maximum -4.
Friday: Cloud cover. Accumulation of 2 cm of snow. Wind south, 10 to 20 km/h. Maximum -1.
Saturday: Intermittent snow. 2 to 4 cm of snow. Wind northeast, 10 to 20 km/h. Maximum -10.
For more details, check out the most recent alpine weather forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be cautious of buried obstacles especially below treeline.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Winds shifted from northwest to southwest on Tuesday night. New windslabs may have formed on the north and northeast slopes. Although small, windslabs rest on facets, making them more susceptible to triggering. You are likely to encounter this problem in start zones, under convexities and in cross-loaded areas.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 22nd, 2024 3:00PM
