Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 15th, 2023 2:00PM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Loose Wet and Cornices.

Avalanche Canada jleblanc, Avalanche Canada

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No overnight freeze is expected Saturday, except for a slight refreeze in the valleys.

It will be warm both day and night, weakening progressively the snowpack.

Ensure you start and finish your day early to avoid when avalanche danger will spike.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche was reported or observed in the last 24 hours. Thanks for contributing to the collection of this valuable data by sharing it with other users on the Mountain Information Network or by writing to us directly at bulletin@avalanchequebec.ca.

Snowpack Summary

A refreeze occurred overnight Friday at all elevations. In the alpine, icy surfaces (with a supportive crust up to 5 cm) soften slightly on Saturday on all alpine slopes, except perhaps the north-facing slopes. At treeline and below treeline, quick thawing happened on all slopes. The snowpack is saturated with water and snow conditions are rather sticky and slow (mashed potatoes snow). With no overnight refreeze expected, the snowpack will become progressively weaker, wetter and less cohesive. Melting is happening fast and the height of snow varies from 50 cm (valley) to 130 cm (mid-mountain).

Weather Summary

Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits.

Synopsis: A southerly flow will bring warming temperatures and rising freezing levels until Tuesday.

Saturday evening and night: Generally cloudy with clear periods. No precipitation. Light southwest, gusting 40 km/h. Alpine low of +3 C. Freezing level rises to 1500 m. Weak temperature inversion.

Sunday: A mix of sun and clouds. No precipitation. Light southerly wind at 25 km/h. Alpine high of +6 C. Freezing level rises to 2800 m.

Monday: Mainly cloudy with sunny periods. No precipitation. Moderate southwest wind at 35 km/h. Alpine high of +8 C. Freezing level rises to 3400 m.

Tuesday: Rain up to 10 mm. Strong southeast wind at 50 km/h. Alpine high of +7 C. Freezing level at 3200 m.

For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.
  • Adjust your travel plans accordingly to the changing conditions of elevation and time of day.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Warm temperatures and strong sunshine could weaken the surface snow and create small wet loose snow avalanches, especially on steep terrain. Keep in mind that wet avalanches can easily push you into undesirable obstacles or terrain traps.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices

Spring weather is favorable to cornices falls. Even a small cornice can be destructive and harmful. As they are unpredictable, be sure to stay well away from them at all times.

Aspects: East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 16th, 2023 3:00PM

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