Avalanche forecast

Chic-Choc Mountains

Dec 18 – 19, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Highlights

Your observations are important! If you head out on the field Tuesday, make sure to fill in a MIN to share your findings with us.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    The rain may have weakened the layer of facetted grains on the December 11 crust. The addition of a skier's weight could trigger a fracture in this layer.

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 [email protected] or via the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

As a result of the rain, the snowpack has reduced considerably. In the alpine and at treeline, the lees previously loaded by the typical winds from the north, and area of pressed snow may have been a little less affected. In exposed areas and below the treeline, several spots are uncovered, and we suspect that complete areas are now back to the ground. Generally speaking, at all altitudes, the top of the snowpack is wet snow.

Temperatures should drop below zero by midday, creating a crust on the surface. Previously buried natural obstacles are now exposed, so don't rely on observations from your last day out.

Weather Summary

Synopsis: The major system affecting us will continue its path towards Labrador overnight, putting an end to precipitation.

Monday evening and night: Cloudy. Rain. Southerly winds up to 150 km/h. 8C. Freezing level 3,000m.

Tuesday: Cloudy. Rain ceasing in the morning. South winds from 55 to 65 km/h. Temperature dropping below zero in pm.

Wednesday: Sunny. Trace of snow. Winds from the west from 40 to 45 km/h. -6C.

Thursday: Alternating sun and cloud. 2 to 4 cm of snow. North winds from 60 to 75 km/h. -18C.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rock outcroppings and steep convex terrain where triggering is most likely.
  • Watch for unstable snow on specific terrain features, especially when the snow is moist or wet.

Regions covered