Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 7th, 2024 2:30PM

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

Avalanche Canada bwillard, Avalanche Canada

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Conditions remain highly variable in the Chic-Chocs. Take the time to read the bulletin before venturing into the backcountry.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche was reported or observed.

If you go into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Windslabs formed on Monday (February 5) on the south-east to west-facing slopes. The height of the snowpack is extremely variable in the alpine and at treeline. This is due to the strong to extreme winds that hit the Chic-Chocs this winter.

In sheltered areas, 10 to 20 cm of lower-density snow cover a consolidated snow interface that lay on top of the December 30 combo of facets and crust. Facets and depth hoar are developing at the base of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Synopsis: Sunny, mild temperatures and little wind until Friday. Then a system may bring us a little snow... or rain.

Wednesday evening and night: Clear. Wind 10 to 20 km/h from the west. Minimum -17C.

Thursday: Sunny. Wind 10 to 20 km/h from the west. High -3C.

Friday: Fairly cloudy. Wind 20 to 30 km/h from the south. High -2C.

Saturday: Cloudy with snow showers (2 to 4 cm), possibly turning to sleet during the day. Wind 10 to 20 km/h from the south. High 0C.

For more details, check out the most recent alpine weather forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Be cautious of buried obstacles especially below treeline.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

The tests demonstrated the probable initiation and propagation of windslabs. Since they are more than 48 hours old, they may be difficult to trigger. However, windslabs rest on facets, making them more sensitive to triggering.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 8th, 2024 3:00PM