Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 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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In most parts of the forecast area, the height of the snowpack makes it impossible to practice alpine sports safely. Natural obstacles are very (too) close to the surface. Let's be patient and rediscover other means of locomotion to get around the mountains.

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. Snow cover remains minimal, however, and in several places the snowpack is below the critical threshold for producing avalanches. The height of the snow cover varies between 5 and 50 cm.

Weather Summary

Synopsis: The Gaspé Peninsula lies between two low-pressure systems, bringing winds from the west. Since the river is not yet frozen, wind circulation will generate light precipitation during the week. A high-pressure system should hit us on Friday.

Tuesday evening and night: Mostly cloudy. Wind 30 to 40 km/h from the west. Minimum -10C.

Wednesday: Cloudy. 2 to 4 cm of snow. Wind 15 to 30 km/h from the southwest. High -6C. Low -11.

Thursday: Cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. Wind 10 to 20 km/h from the south. High -5C.

Friday: Alternating sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow. Wind 40 to 50 km/h. Maximum -15.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Expect shallow snow cover that barely covers ground roughness.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

The wind changed direction. It has shifted from northwest to southwest. Windslabs continue to develop, but more so in the north and northeast quadrants. They are located at the top of the ski lines and rest on crust, providing an excellent sliding surface. Although this is an isolated problem, be sure to assess your slope for the presence of windslabs before setting off. Getting caught in an avalanche can cause serious injury if you are thrown into rocks and other natural obstacles.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2024 3:00PM