Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 9th, 2024 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.

Avalanche Canada dboucher, Avalanche Canada

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A major storm will increase the avalanche danger during the day. Due to the minimal snow cover, the danger will be found in particular in accumulation zones such as corridors, depressions and ravines in the alpine.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche was reported or observed. If you go into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations at bulletin@avalanchequebec.ca or on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

15-30 cm of light snow overlies a thick widespread melt-freeze crust or sits directly on the ground. The highest amounts of new snow can reach 40-50 cm in leeward accumulation areas in the alpine such as couloirs, depressions and ravines. However, access remains very challenging and hazardous due to thin snow coverage. In most areas, the snowpack is below the threshold for avalanches. The height of the snow varies between 15 and 60 cm.

Weather Summary

Synopsis: A major storm is moving into the region Wednesday and will bring snow, strong winds and blowing snow until Thursday morning.

Tuesday evening and night: Mainly cloudy, no precipitation, wind becoming southeast 20 to 40 km/h during the night, alpine temperature -6 C with temperature inversion.

Wednesday: Snow at times heavy and blowing snow, 20-30 cm, southeasterly winds 80 to 100 km/h, alpine temperature on the rise up to -1 C, freezing level at 700 m in the evening.

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud, 1-2 cm, westerly winds 30 to 40 km/h, alpine temperature -7 C.

Friday: A mix of sun and cloud, 1-2 cm, northwesterly winds 30 to 40 km/h, alpine temperature -15 C.

For more details, check out the most recent alpine weather forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
  • Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.
  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Storm slabs will develop throughout the day with intense snowfall and strong winds. Due to the still minimal snow conditions, these new slabs will be found mainly in accumulation zones such as corridors, ravines and depressions in the alpine.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 10th, 2024 3:00PM

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