Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Chic-Chocs.
👉BULLETIN VALID DECEMBER 7th to 9th👈
Most of our forecast area lacks sufficient snow cover to trigger avalanches. However, ravines, gullies, and areas of maximum accumulation could be more dangerous this weekend, especially in the east of the zone. These are among the few areas currently skiable, and require extra vigilance. Conditions remain typical of the early season: be careful!
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Intense southerly winds on Thursday, followed by lake effect snow and strong northerly winds on Friday, created a wide range of conditions in the mountains. Most sectors of our forecast area remain below the critical threshold for triggering avalanches. However, areas east of Highway 299 received significant accumulations due to lake effect snow on Friday, which could continue on Saturday, according to weather forecasts.
The average height of the snow cover varies from 20 to 30 cm at the foot of the mountains. In areas east of Highway 299, it averages 50 cm, with local accumulations of over 70 cm.
The snowpack is typical of early-season conditions. Expect a thin snow cover with rocks, trees and stumps buried just below the surface.
Weather Summary
Friday evening and night: Snow 3 to 5 cm. Wind northwest 30 to 50 km/h. Low -16.
Saturday: Snow 5 to 10 cm. Wind northwest, 20 to 40 km/h. High -15.
Sunday: Cloudy, light snow. Wind southwest, 20 to 30 km/h. High -10.
We invite you to consult the public weather resources recommended when preparing for a mountain outing and available here, as well as our alpine weather forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for slabs before you commit to it.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Watch for signs of slab formation throughout the day.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
The areas that received the heaviest snow accumulations on Friday and Saturday could develop a problem of reactive wind slabs. The danger is mainly concentrated in ravines and gullies where snow has accumulated in sufficient quantities to trigger avalanches. The challenge lies in the fact that these types of terrain are among the few areas that are currently skiable. Increased vigilance is therefore recommended in these areas.
Aspects: North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2