Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 10th, 2023 2:30PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Wet Slabs.

Avalanche Canada bwillard, Avalanche Canada

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A major system will pass over the Chic-Chocs on Sunday night and last until Tuesday morning. A mix of rain, snow and freezing rain is expected, but the quantities of each are uncertain.

Summary

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

Early season, observations are limited. Thanks for sharing your observation through the Mountain Information Network if you head out.

No new avalanches have been observed or reported. Please share your observations at bulletin@avalanchequebec.ca or via the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack will undergo major changes over the next 24 to 36 hours, depending on the amount of rain, snow and freezing rain that falls. Snow depths vary from 30 to 70 cm, depending on altitude and wind loading. 10 to 20 cm of snow covers the November 28th crust. Facets are developing on the crust.

Weather Summary

Synopsis: A major system will affect the Chic-Chocs over the next few days from Sunday to Tuesday. Weather models vary widely on the expected amounts of rain versus snow versus ice.

Sunday evening and night: Up to 15 mm of rain. Light southwesterly wind, 10 to 15 km/h. Maximum +4. Freezing level passing from 2500m to 800m in the evening.

Monday: Heavy rain during the day (between 15 and 50 mm depending on models). Precipitation changing to snow and/or freezing rain in the evening. Light winds of variable direction. Maximum +2. Freezing level rising to 2500m, falling to 500m by afternoon.

Tuesday: Clearing. Possibility of light snow. Moderate westerly wind. Maximum -9.

Wednesday: Alternating sun and cloud. Light westerly wind. High -4.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from rain.
  • Give the new snow time to settle and stabilize before pushing into bigger terrain.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

If the precipitation falls as snow, it may be heavy, thus developing the problem of storm snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wet Slabs

An icon showing Wet Slabs

If most of the precipitation falls as rain, it could percolate onto the crust and trigger wet snow avalanches.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 11th, 2023 3:00PM

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