Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 20th, 2024 2:30PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada jfmichaud, Avalanche Canada

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The effect of the wind in the alpine and at the treeline created highly variable conditions that are hard to predict.

The best conditions are found below the treeline, in areas that have been protected from the wind.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche was reported or observed. If you go into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

The strong, sometimes extreme winds of the last few days, which changed direction on a few occasions, created a high degree of spatial variability in the alpine and at the treeline. Many slopes, even in the lee, were emptied of snow, particularly near summits and ridges. At these altitudes, the height of the snowpack varies between 20 cm and 180 cm, with an average height of around 100 cm at mid-mountain.

This new load is generally found on the southern and eastern slopes. But it's important to remember that these slopes were previously cleared of snow. To the north and west, we find old snow exposed to the wind at the bottom of the coulees, or crust and rock.

Below the tree line, in areas well sheltered from the wind, we find 20-25 cm of powdery snow that has settled since the storm, making conditions pleasant.

Weather Summary

Synopsis: Some light precipitation Saturday evening, especially on the Haute-Gaspésie coast, and possible return of the sun Sunday afternoon.

Saturday evening and night : Light snow, 1 to 2 cm. North wind, 10 to 20 km/h. Low -12.

Sunday: Light snow in the morning, then alternating sun and clouds. Wind northwest, 20 to 30 km/h. High -12.

Monday: Periods of snow. Moderate north-westerly wind. High -9.

Tuesday: Snow ending in the morning, 3-5 cm. Strong northwest wind. High -26.

For more details, check out the most recent alpine weather forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Pay attention to isolated alpine features as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Gullies, couloirs, depressions and alpine cross-loading zones may have been heavily loaded, and you may find new wind slabs. In general, strong winds have tended to empty the treeline, but some couloirs with alpine characteristics could also be affected at this altitude band.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 21st, 2024 3:00PM