Avalanche forecast

Chic-Choc Mountains

Feb 7 – 8, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

A low danger rating does not mean no risk!

Strong winds and some precipitations can lower the visibility, making it difficult to assess the terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Although the wind slabs are getting older and are currently stabilizing, some are resting on the crust, or overlying a lower density layer of decomposing grains and facets. Although the likelihood of triggering one is low, the depth of the slab could lead to larger events.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    A layer with slab properties overlies a layer of facets over the January 18th crust. The likelihood of triggering an avalanche on this interface is unlikely, but the consequence of an event on this layer would be a large avalanche. Keep an eye out in areas where the snowpack is thinner.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche has been observed or reported in the last 24 hours.

Thanks for contributing to the collection of this valuable data by sharing with other users on the Mountain Information Network or by writing to us directly at [email protected].

Snowpack Summary

The extreme winds from the last weekend have left a great deal of surfaces in exposed areas. In the alpine, at treeline and on open areas below treeline, a few centimetres covers the January 18th crust, while in wind loaded areas, over 100 cm of compacted snow was found on top of it.

Below the treeline, 35 to 45 cm of wind-pressed snow was found on top of the decomposing crust.In general, the height of the snowpack goes from 70 to 90 cm in the valley to 100 to 150 cm at mid-mountain.

Weather Summary

Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits.

Synopsis: An occluded front will leave some precipitation over the Chic-Chocs during the night. It will be followed by high pressure, meaning the return of good weather for Thursday.

Tuesday night and overnight: Cloudy. 1-2 cm of snow. Winds from the southwest around 75 km/h. Min. -12C.

Wednesday: Cloudy. 2-4 cm of snow. Winds around 40 km/h with gusting up to 75 km/h from the west. Max. -12C.

Thursday: Sunny, no precipitation. Winds from the northwest around 80 km/h easing off to 50 km/h. Max. -15C.

Friday: Cloudy. 10 to 15 cm of snow. Winds around 75 km/h from the south. Max. -9C.

For more details, check the Alpine Weather Forecast.

Regions covered