Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Chic-Chocs.
The new wind slabs rest on a crust, and the bond between them is not always optimal.
It is important to carefully test and assess the slope before venturing onto it.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed or reported.
If you are out in the backcountry, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
A layer of 10 cm of fresh snow fell in the mountains from Tuesday night to Wednesday. Currently, in wind-protected areas, there is between 20 and 30 cm of recent snow on top of the crust. Below the tree line, this crust is sometimes brittle, but it can support the weight of a person in alpine terrain and at the tree line.
In general, the west-facing slopes, both in alpine areas and at the tree line, are bare or covered with a crust. The fresh snow has been deposited on top of this crust, mainly on the lee slopes to the east. However, strong winds have caused significant spatial variability, with snow densities and wind slabs exhibiting very diverse characteristics.
The snowpack depth varies between 100 cm and 200 cm.
Weather Summary
WEATHER FOR THE CRESTS AND SUMMITS OF CHIC-CHOCS
Sunny and mild weather in the mountains on Thursday.
Wednesday evening and night: Clear. Northwest wind at 15 to 30 km/h becoming light. Minimum -22 °C.
Thursday: Sunny. Southwest wind at 20 to 40 km/h in the afternoon. Maximum -9 °C.
Friday: Alternating sun and clouds. West wind at 30 to 50 km/h. Maximum -1 °C. Freezing level at 680m.
Saturday: Cloudy. Possible snow showers, 5 to 7 cm. Southwest wind at 30 to 50 km/h. Maximum -3 °C.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Keep in mind a buried crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent wind slabs rest on the crust formed after the thaw. On certain slopes, a layer of faceted grains has formed above this crust, creating an excellent sliding layer. This combination of grains is not found everywhere, so it is important to carefully assess the slope before skiing.
Aspects: North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2