Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 2nd, 2023 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 dboucher, Avalanche Canada

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The formation of new wind slabs is to be watched at the top of eastern slopes (NE-E-SE) in the alpine. Even small, the triggering of an avalanche in these places could have serious consequences as a result of an uncontrolled slide on the ice and towards obstacles lower on the slope. Make sure you have the required level of training before committing to an engaging descent.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche has been observed or reported recently.

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Snowpack Summary

Near the summits, the wind has redistributed the available snow, exposing the crust or ice at the surface and creating an overlay of hard wind slabs. In the more sheltered alpine couloirs, the February 17 crust is buried in places under 10 to 15 cm of snow. This crust is particularly present on Mount Albert. Facetted grains are slowly developing on this crust.

The best snow conditions are in areas protected from the wind, above 600 m, where the snow has been preserved from the weather events of the last few weeks (thaw and wind).

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 from the southwest will pass south of Nova Scotia on Thursday evening and will bring snow overnight.

Thursday evening and night: Snow, 3-5 cm, increasing northwesterly winds up to 20 to 40 km/h, minimum -14 C.

Friday: Clearing in the afternoon. no precipitation, northwesterly winds 40 to 50 km/h, maximum -12 C.

Saturday: Sunny, no precipitation, northwesterly winds 20 to 40 km/h, maximum -7 C.

Sunday: Sunny, no precipitation, northwesterly winds 50 to 70 km/h, maximum -7 C.

For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Increasing northwesterly winds overnight Thursday to Friday will transport new snow and promote the development of small wind slabs at the top of lee slopes in the alpine.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2023 3:00PM