Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 4th, 2024 2:30PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
bwillard,
Avalanche Canada
One day follows another. The height of the snowpack is very low and barely covers the natural obstacles, making it dangerous to practice alpine sliding sports. Higher up, in the alpine, there's a problem of windslabs in places where there's enough snow to ski. We suggest patience and caution.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
2 slab avalanches triggered by skiers have been reported on social media in the last 48h. From the information we've been able to gather, the avalanches appear to have taken place on Mont Albert, on south and southeast facing slopes. They appear to be 1.5 in size, 20 to 40 cm deep, around 50 m wide and between 50 and 100 m long. They appear to be windslabs that slid over the New Year's Day crust. If you have any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Please share your observations at bulletin@avalanchequebec.ca or via the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Between 10 and 25 cm of snow rests on the New Year's crust (the crusty surface left by December's rain). There seems to be more new snow in the south of the forecast area and at higher altitudes. Snow cover remains minimal, however, and in several places the snowpack is below the critical threshold for producing avalanches. Snowpack heights vary between 10 and 60 cm.
Weather Summary
Synopsis: A cold front followed by a high-pressure system will settle over the Gaspé Peninsula in the next few days. We'll be treated to cold temperatures and sunshine.
Thursday evening and night: Cloudy. 2 to 4 cm of snow. Wind 30 to 50 km/h from the northwest. Minimum -18C.
Friday: Alternating sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow. Wind northwest, 30 to 40 km/h. Maximum -17C.
Saturday: Sunny. 1 to 2 cm of snow. Wind northwest 30 to 40 km/h. Maximum -17C.
Sunday: Sunny. Wind northeast 10 to 20 km/h. Maximum -9C.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Expect shallow snow cover that barely covers ground roughness.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Windslabs are found at the top of the ski lines and rest on the New Year's crust, which represents an excellent gliding surface. The bounding between the new snow and the crust doesn't seem very good. Although this is an isolated problem, assess your slope carefully for the presence of windslabs before you set off. Getting caught in an avalanche could result in serious injury if you're thrown into rocks and other natural obstacles.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 5th, 2024 3:00PM
