Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 23rd, 2023 2:30PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
jfmichaud,
Avalanche Canada
Although they tend to stabilize, you may still find reactive wind slabs in the mountains.
Take the time to analyze the slope before you go.
Don't forget that the consequences of an accident in the mountains are greater in very cold weather. This is one more factor to consider when planning a trip.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche has been observed or reported in the last 24 hours.
Thanks for contributing to the collection of this valuable data by sharing with other users on the Mountain Information Network or by writing to us directly at bulletin@avalanchequebec.ca.
Snowpack Summary
In the alpine and at the treeline, the wind has redistributed the available snow, exposing the crust or ice and creating wind slabs of varying density on the leeward slopes and in the laterally loaded areas. All of this rests on a snowpack with a steady increase in density. The January 18 crust is buried under sixty to one hundred centimetres of snow, and facetted grains are still found on its surface.Below 600m, the crust is very crumbly and becomes less and less noticeable with altitude. The best skiing is therefore in places protected from the wind, above 600m, where the snow has been preserved from the weather events of the last few days (thaw and wind). 15 to 20 cm of powdery snow awaits you there, resting on a crumbly crust of varying thickness. In general, the height of the snow cover varies from 70 to 90 cm in the valley to 100 to 150 cm in the middle mountains.
Weather Summary
Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits.
Synopsis: A low pressure system passing well south of our forecast area could bring a few flakes by Friday. Very cold temperatures. Thursday night and overnight: Becoming cloudy, light snow. Wind 10 to 30 km/h from the northwest. Low -24. Friday: Light snow in the morning, then gradually clearing. Wind 30 to 40 km/h from the northwest. High -26C.Saturday: Sunny. Wind 30 to 50 km/h from the northwest. Max. -21 C.Sunday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind 10 to 20 km/h from the southwest. High -15. For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Snow transport has been observed on peaks and ridges of mont Albert on Thursday. In the alpine and open areas at and below treeline, these slabs may rest on the January 18 crust, increasing the likelihood of being triggered by a skier.
Aspects: North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
A slab has formed on top of the facets on crust interface of the January 18th, which is now buried at a depth of 60 to 100 cm. Although the probability of triggering an avalanche is very low, this interface exists, and could, in isolated places, react to skier traffic. An avalanche on the surface could also step down to the deeper layer.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 24th, 2023 3:00PM
