Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 1st, 2024 2:30PM

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

Avalanche Canada bwillard, Avalanche Canada

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The snow of the last few days is starting to give our mountains a more wintery look. Remember, though, that the natural obstacles are close to the surface and the snowpack is still very thin. Patience will be the order of the day as we enter 2024.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Early season, observations are limited. Thanks for sharing your observation through the Mountain Information Network if you head out.

No new avalanches have been observed or reported. Please share your observations at bulletin@avalanchequebec.ca or via the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Between 5 and 20 cm of new snow lies on top of the New Year's crust (the crusty surface left by December's rain). There seems to be more new snow in the south of the forecast area and at higher altitudes. However, snow cover remains minimal. The height of the snow cover varies between 5 and 50 cm.

Weather Summary

Synopsis: For the next few days, we'll have a few breakthroughs of sunshine, light winds shifting from northwest to southwest, and temperatures warming to -5C on Wednesday.

Monday evening and night: Mostly cloudy. Light winds 10-20 km/h from the northwest. Minimum -18C.

Tuesday: Cloudy with sunny periods. Wind 10 to 20 km/h from the southwest. High -8C.

Wednesday: Cloudy with sunny periods. 2 cm of snow. Wind 10 to 20 km/h from the west. High -5C.

Thursday: Cloudy. 2 cm snow. Wind 10 to 20 km/h from the south. Maximum -6C.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.
  • Expect shallow snow cover that barely covers ground roughness.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Windslabs are found at the top of the skiable lines and rest on the crust, providing an excellent sliding surface. Although this is an isolated problem, be sure to assess your slope for the presence of windslabs before you set off. Getting caught in an avalanche can cause serious injury if you are thrown into rocks and other natural obstacles.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 2nd, 2024 3:00PM