Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 30th, 2023 2:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
jfmichaud,
Avalanche Canada
Little change for the next few days, but cold temperatures will delay the stabilization of wind slabs.
Don't forget that when the rating is MODERATE, it is possible to trigger avalanches.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Smaller avalanches (size 0.5) from the wind slabs of the last snow were observed by the field team in the Hog's Back Grand Couloir.
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Snowpack Summary
There is now 30-60 cm of low density, very skiable snow above the January 18 crust in wind protected areas, particularly below the treeline and on the tree line at the treeline. A great deal of spatial variability is found in the alpine and tree line, moving from soft slabs on the surface, resting on harder wind slabs, to the crust. Tests over the past few days continue to produce results on interfaces in new snow and above the crust. So be sure to take the time to analyze the conditions as you travel.Below the January 18 crust is 15-20 cm of snow, generally well packed, overlying facetted grains from the decomposition of the January 2 melt-freeze crust. This interface rests on a mixture of laminated crusts and facetted grains at the base of the snowpack.In general, the height of the snowpack varies from 50 to 80 cm in the valley to 100 to 140 cm in the mid-mountains.
Weather Summary
Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits.
Synopsis: A high-pressure ridge brings decreased winds and cold temperatures to the Gaspé PeninsulaMonday evening and night: Light intermittent snow. Wind northwest, 20 to 30 km/h. Low -20. Tuesday: Cloudy, light intermittent snow. Wind southwest, 5 to 15 km/h. High -17.Wednesday: Sunny. Wind northwest, 30 to 50 kph. High -13.Thursday: Intermittent snow. Wind northwest, 30 to 40 km/h. High -12.
For more details, check the Alpine Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
Problems
Wind Slabs
The westerly wind will continue to blow the snow available for transport on the leeward slopes in the alpine and in the laterally loaded areas at the treeline, continuing the formation of wind slabs. These can be added, in previously loaded areas, to old wind slabs that are not yet fully stabilized. They directly cover the icy crust of January 18, which could be a favourable sliding surface for avalanches. The cold weather forecast for the next few days will slow the process of stabilizing the slabs and promote the development of facetted grains on the crust.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 31st, 2023 3:00PM
