Avalanche Forecast

On Monday January 22, two size 1 slab avalanches triggered by skiers were reported on Mont Albert's eastern alpine slope.

A skier-triggered size 1 avalanche was reported in the western part of Réserve faunique de Matane. The avalanche occurred on Sunday, January 21, on a northeast aspect, at 700m altitude on a 40-45° convexity. The avalanche had a crown of 60 cm, a width of 15m and a length of 30m. The avalanche would have slid over facets that developed on the New Year's Day crust.

If you go into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

There is considerable spatial variability at all elevations. Snowpack heights range from 25 cm to 180 cm.

Alpine: In many places, the alpine is bare of snow apart from concavities and depressions. There seems to be more snow on the eastern slopes. Snow is still being transported and deposited on the eastern and southeastern slopes.

Treeline: Between 5 and 15 cm of light snow over wind-affected snow. There is more snow on the northern and eastern slopes, resting on an interface of facets that have developed on the New Year's crust.

Below treeline: Depending on slope and elevation, there is considerable spatial variability. The southern slopes appear to be at a disadvantage.

Synopsis: The Arctic air mass will move eastwards on Wednesday to make way for milder temperatures, closer to seasonal values.

Tuesday evening and night: A few clouds. Moderate northwesterly wind, 30-40 km/h. Low -22C.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Moderate southwest wind, 30 to 40 km/h. High -15C.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy. Moderate northwest wind, 30 to 40 km/h. High -5C.

Friday: Cloudy. Moderate southwest wind, 30 to 40 km/h. High -8C.

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

• Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
• Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.