Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Chic-Chocs.
The best skiing is probably found below tree line.
Always assess for signs of instability, and areas showing slab properties, before committing to your run.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity has been observed or reported.
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Snowpack Summary
The recent 25-35 cm of low density snow is being redistributed by the moderate northwest winds, leading to a wind affected surface in the alpine and at treeline. This interface has, on the lee sides (NE,E,SE), a denser slab over a lower density layer. The holiday crust is found at depths between 20 and 50 cm, buried by the recent snow, and generally supports the weight of a skier. This new snow does not yet adhere well to the crust, which could make travel in the alpine difficult, as well as steeper features. Crampons and ice axes are recommended.
The average height of the snowpack is still very thin, and extremely variable from one place to another.
Weather Summary
Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits.
Synopsis: A high pressure system is moving onto the region, bringing nice weather and cold temperatures. A low-pressure system from the United States will then pass south of Gaspésie on Thursday evening and Friday, bringing considerable amounts of precipitations to the Chic-Chocs.
Tuesday evening and night: Mostly cloudy. Trace of snow. Winds from 35 to 55 km/h from the northwest. Min. -18C. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Wednesday: Mostly clear. Isolated light snow showers. Winds from 35 to 45 km/h from the northwest, gusting up to 70 km/h. Max. -15C. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Thursday: Clear. Precipitation starting later in the evening. Winds from 15 to 25 km/h from the west/southwest. Max. -12C.
Friday: Cloudy. 30 to 40 cm of snow. Winds from 40 to 70 km/h from the southeast. Max. -5.
For more details, check out the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
The low density snow of the last few days is still available for transport by the moderate northwesterly winds and could form slabs over a storm interface with layers of various density. A brief shift of the wind to the east on Monday night was enough to create wind slabs on the west/southwest aspects, which, although less reactive on Wednesday, could surprise you.
Aspects: North East, East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2