Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 17th, 2023 2:30PM

The alpine rating is moderate, 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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New wind slabs will develop with forecast snow accompanied by southeasterly winds. They will be found at the top of the west and north-west slopes in the alpine.

It will be necessary to assess their presence and their distribution because, even of small size, their triggering can 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

New snow will continue to accumulate on the surface as well as in downwind areas, reaching 5 to 15 cm thick. It covers a widespread crust of variable thickness, 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 low pressure system from the Great Lakes will bring some snow over the weekend.

Friday evening and night: Snow, 5-7 cm, southeasterly winds 30-40 km/h, minimum -3 C, freezing level at valley bottom.

Saturday: Periods of light snow, no accumulation, southerly winds 10 to 20 km/h, maximum -2 C, freezing level at 650 m.

Sunday: Snow overnight then cloudy, 3-5 cm, westerly winds 40 to 60 km/h, maximum -7 C, freezing level at valley bottom.

Monday: Snow overnight then clearing, 3-5 cm, northwesterly winds 40 to 50 km/h, maximum -12 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 SW-W-NW-N 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: North, South West, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 18th, 2023 3:00PM

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