Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 7th, 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.

Avalanche Canada jpgagnon, Avalanche Canada

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The famous Chic-Chocs wind is back and is possibly changing the situation as it is used to do! Be sure to read the forecast details to learn more.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity has been observed or reported.

More and more relevant information is shared by users with the Mountain Information Network. Thank you for contributing to the collection of this valuable data! You can also continue to write to us at info@avalanchequebec.ca.

Snowpack Summary

A thin layer of 5 to 8 cm of snow lies directly on a very firm and icy crust that supports the weight of a skier. Alpine travel is possible, but strongly discouraged without crampons, ice axes and especially the knowledge to use them. The consequences of a slide at this time could be disastrous. There are zones of accumulation, alternating with many exposed rocks and small trees not yet buried.

Below treeline, the thin layer of powdery snow that covers this crust improves the skiing experience.The average height of the snowpack is still very thin, about 20 to 40 cm at the foot of the mountains, 60 to 90 cm at mid-mountain, and extremely variable from one place to another.

Weather Summary

Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits.

Saturday evening and night: Cloudy. Snow (1 to 3 cm). Strong northwest wind. Low -16.

Sunday: Cloudy with sunny periods. Snow in the evening (1 to 3 cm). Moderate northwest wind. High -13.

Monday: Cloudy. Snow (2 to 5 cm). Moderate northwest wind. High -12.

Tuesday: Cloudy. Snow (1 to 4 cm). Moderate northwest wind. High -13.

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

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

The snow expected on Sunday will add to the meager amounts received in the last few days for a possible total of 10 cm of powder over the melt freeze crust that will be easily moved by the moderate to strong northwest wind.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 8th, 2023 3:00PM