Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Chic-Chocs.
Although it's looking more and more like winter in the Chic-Chocs, snow cover remains minimal. The new, very light snow doesn't cover the many obstacles on the ground, and access to the alpine is difficult.
If you venture into the alpine, be careful of areas recently loaded by the wind. Even a small avalanche can have serious consequences in current conditions.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported or observed. Please share your observations at [email protected] or via the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Between 15 and 25 cm of low density new snow lies on top of the New Year's crust (the crusty surface left by December's rain), or directly on the ground. The depressions, particularly on the southern slopes of the alpine are slowly regaining sufficient coverage for skiing, but access is very difficult given the thin snowpack. Walking is often more appropriate than skiing...
Some laterally loaded couloirs at the tree line of the Madeleine mines also seem to be gradually filling up with snow.
Snow cover remains minimal, and in most places the snowpack is below the critical avalanche threshold. The height of the snowpack varies between 10 and 60 cm.
Weather Summary
Synopsis: Passage of a high-pressure ridge on Saturday. Northwest winds, cold temperatures and an ice-free St-Lawrence river will favor lake effect snow. Mountain foothills and the coast should receive more snow.
Friday evening and night: Snow flurries, 2 to 5 cm. Wind northwest, 20 to 40 km/h. Low -18.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, light snow possible in the morning. Wind northwest, 20 to 40 km/h. Maximum -18C.
Sunday: Sunny. Wind northeast, 10 to 20 km/h. Maximum -9C.
Monday: Alternating sun and clouds. Light north-westerly wind. High -9.
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.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Windslabs are found at the top of the ski lines and rest on the New Year's crust, which represents an excellent gliding surface. The bounding between the new snow and the crust doesn't seem very good. Although this is an isolated problem, assess your slope carefully for the presence of windslabs before you set off. Getting caught in an avalanche could result in serious injury if you're thrown into rocks and other natural obstacles.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2