Avalanche forecast

Chic-Choc Mountains

Jan 3 – 4, 2024Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 3 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
No rating
Below
No rating
Open full map

Highlights

At and below the treeline, the height of the snowpack is very low and barely covers natural obstacles, making alpine skiing dangerous.

In alpine terrain, areas where there is enough snow to ski present a problem of windslabs reactive to skier traffic. We suggest patience and caution.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Windslabs are found at the top of the ski lines and rest on the New Year's crust, which represents an excellent gliding surface. The bounding between the new snow and the crust doesn't look very good. Although this is an isolated problem, assess your slope carefully for the presence of windslabs before you set off. Getting caught in an avalanche could result in serious injury if you're thrown into rocks and other natural obstacles.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

2 slab avalanches triggered by skiers have been reported on social media. From the information we've been able to gather, the avalanches appear to have taken place on Mont Albert, on south and southeast facing slopes. They appear to be 1.5 in size, 20 to 40 cm deep, around 50 m wide and between 50 and 100 m long. They appear to be windslabs that slid over the New Year's Day crust. If you have any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Please share your observations at [email protected] or via the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Between 10 and 25 cm of snow rests on the New Year's crust (the crusty surface left by December's rain). There seems to be more new snow in the south of the forecast area and at higher altitudes. Snow cover remains minimal, however, and in several places the snowpack is below the critical threshold for producing avalanches. Snowpack heights vary between 10 and 60 cm.

Weather Summary

Synopsis: The Gaspé Peninsula lies between two low-pressure systems, bringing winds from the west. Since the river is not yet frozen, wind circulation will generate light precipitation during the week. A high-pressure system should hit us on Friday.

Wednesday evening and night: Cloudy. Wind 10 to 20 km/h from the southwest. Low -8C.

Thursday: Cloudy. 4 to 6 cm of snow. Wind 10 to 20 km/h from the west. High -5C.

Friday: Alternating sun and cloud. 1 to 2 cm of snow. Wind northwest 30 to 50 km/h. Maximum -15C.

Saturday: Sunny. Wind northwest 15 to 30 km/h. Maximum -14C.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Expect shallow snow cover that barely covers ground roughness.

Regions covered