Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 3rd, 2024 2:30PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
bwillard,
Avalanche Canada
At and below the treeline, the height of the snowpack is very low and barely covers natural obstacles, making alpine skiing dangerous.
In alpine terrain, areas where there is enough snow to ski present a problem of windslabs reactive to skier traffic. We suggest patience and caution.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
2 slab avalanches triggered by skiers have been reported on social media. From the information we've been able to gather, the avalanches appear to have taken place on Mont Albert, on south and southeast facing slopes. They appear to be 1.5 in size, 20 to 40 cm deep, around 50 m wide and between 50 and 100 m long. They appear to be windslabs that slid over the New Year's Day crust. If you have any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Please share your observations at bulletin@avalanchequebec.ca or via the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Between 10 and 25 cm of snow rests on 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. Snowpack heights vary between 10 and 60 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.
Wednesday evening and night: Cloudy. Wind 10 to 20 km/h from the southwest. Low -8C.
Thursday: Cloudy. 4 to 6 cm of snow. Wind 10 to 20 km/h from the west. High -5C.
Friday: Alternating sun and cloud. 1 to 2 cm of snow. Wind northwest 30 to 50 km/h. Maximum -15C.
Saturday: Sunny. Wind northwest 15 to 30 km/h. Maximum -14C.
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
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 look 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
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 4th, 2024 3:00PM
