Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 13th, 2024 2:30PM

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

Avalanche Canada cwild, Avalanche Canada

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Storms with a Southern circulation and extreme winds like this one generally leave a highly variable snowpack.

A localized assessment of conditions is important before committing to an engaging line.

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

The distribution of the snowpack is highly variable. Alpine, treeline and wind-exposed features are back to the crust. Depressions, gullies and the top of couloirs, however, can have considerably greater snow depths.

Below the tree line, the west to north aspects have larger, but very dense, accumulations resting on facets over the New Year's Day crust. The North-East to South slopes are showing 15 to 30 cm of very dense snow over the ground, which makes skiing possible. Keep in mind that the natural obstacles remain very close, however.

Weather Summary

Synopsis: The storm will persist overnight, accompanied by extreme wind. Several small accumulations are expected later during the week.

Saturday evening and night: Cloudy. 10-15 cm of snow, an inversion could bring some freezing rain. Southeast winds up to 140 km/h. Low. -2C. Freezing level rising up to 750m.

Sunday: Cloudy. 1-2 cm of snow. Southwest winds from 55 to 65 km/h. Max -13C.

Monday: Alternating sun and cloud. 1-2 cm of snow. Southwest winds from 40-45 km/h. Max. -20C.

Tuesday: Alternating sun and cloud. 2-3 cm of snow. Southeast winds around 40 km/h. Max -16C.

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

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Strong to extreme winds will carry snow, and heavy accumulations could be found in start zones, cross-loaded zones, depressions and the top of convexities.

Aspects: North, North East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 14th, 2024 3:00PM