Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 15th, 2023 2:30PM

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

Avalanche Canada cwild, Avalanche Canada

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There is some doubt about the snow available for transport in the alpine.

Assess carefully your line for signs of wind slabs, and remember that they are at their most sensitive during their formation.

Summary

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

Early season, observations are limited. Thanks for sharing your observation through the Mountain Information Network if you head out.

No new avalanches have been observed or reported. Please share your observations at bulletin@avalanchequebec.ca or via the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

The winds from the past couple of days have redistributed the available snow. The summits are back to ice, and greater accumulations can be found on the eastern slopes. In general, 10 to 20 cm of low-density snow covers the December 11 crust, and facets can be found above and below it. The November 28 crust is between 20 and 40 cm deep and rests on facets in the north of the region.

Weather Summary

Synopsis: A cold front and the ice-free St-Lawrence will leave a few centimetres overnight and early tomorrow morning. Temperatures will drop and winds are going to be noteworthy.

Friday evening and night: Cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. Winds from 65 to 75 km/h from the west. -10C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Saturday: Increasing sun. 1 to 2 cm of snow. Northwest winds from 45 to 55 km/h. -15C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Sunday: Generally cloudy. No precipitation. Southwest winds from 90 to 100 km/h. Inversion, it will be warmer at higher elevation. Maximum 1C.

Monday: Cloudy. Rainy. Winds from 90 to 100 km/h from the south. 5C.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

The winds from the last few days have created layers of snow of different densities, which have shown results in our tests.

Snow transport was observed by our team on Friday, meaning that new wind slabs may have formed.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 16th, 2023 3:00PM