Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Chic-Chocs.
We're still short of snow on the ground to cover the obstacles at and below tree line. The very light snow of the last few days has made some specific alpine areas skiable, but getting there can be a challenge.
If you venture into the alpine, be careful of areas recently loaded by the wind. Even a small avalanche can have serious consequences in current conditions.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported or observed. Please share your observations at [email protected] or via the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Between 15 and 25 cm of low density new snow lies on top of the New Year's crust (the crusty surface left by December's rain), or directly on the ground. The depressions, particularly on the southern slopes of the alpine are slowly regaining sufficient coverage for skiing, but access is very difficult given the thin snowpack. Walking is often more appropriate than skiing...
Some laterally loaded couloirs at the tree line of the Madeleine mines also seem to be gradually filling up with snow.
Snow cover remains minimal, and in most places the snowpack is below the critical avalanche threshold. The height of the snowpack varies between 10 and 60 cm.
Weather Summary
Synopsis: Cold temperatures, no precipitation for the start of the week. Our eyes are on Wednesday and Thursday, when a system from Colorado could bring us some nice surprises. 🤞
Saturday evening and night: Partly cloudy. North wind, 10 to 20 km/h. Low -18.
Sunday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind northeast, 5 to 10 km/h. Maximum -13C.
Monday: Alternating sun and clouds. Light north-westerly wind. High -9.
Tuesday: Cloudy. Light snow. Moderate northwest wind. High -14.
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.
Avalanche 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 East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2