Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 16th, 2023 2:30PM

The alpine rating is low, 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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Little new snow and the presence of widespread crust near the surface maintains a LOW danger rating.

However, beware of isolated accumulations of wind transported snow, the triggering of which could have serious consequences of an uncontrolled slide on the crust.

If you go to the mountains, please share your observations of the conditions with other users on the Mountain Information Network

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed or reported.

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

About 3 to 5 cm of new snow is found on the surface, with small accumulations up to 5 to 15 cm in downwind areas. This new snow lies on a widespread crust of variable thickness, and which is present on the surface in wind exposed areas in the alpine and at treeline. Snow that is still dry may be found on some northern slopes, in wind-protected areas, at and below treeline. The middle of the snowpack is well consolidated.

In general, the height of the snowpack varies from 80 to 100 cm in the valley to 110 to 160 cm in the middle mountains.

Weather Summary

Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits.

Synopsis: A ridge of high pressure will bring sunshine for Friday before the arrival of a low pressure system from the Great Lakes overnight.

Thursday evening and night: Cloudy, no precipitation, northwesterly winds 20 to 40 km/h, minimum -8 C.

Friday: Sunny becoming a mix of sun and cloud in the afternoon, no precipitation, northwesterly winds 20 to 30 km/h becoming southerly 5 to 10 km/h, maximum +2 C, freezing level at 750 m.

Saturday: Snow, 5-10 cm, southwesterly winds 5 to 10 km/h, maximum 0 C, freezing level at 500 m.

Sunday: Snow, 5-10 cm, westerly winds 40 to 50 km/h, maximum -7 C, freezing level at valley bottom.

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

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Isolated wind slabs are possible at the top of W-SW-S-SE leeward slopes. Although small, their triggering can have serious consequences of an uncontrolled slide over the crust and towards obstacles lower on the slope.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 17th, 2023 3:00PM

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