Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 22nd, 2023 2:30PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
cwild,
Avalanche Canada
The density of the wind slabs are variable. Keep in mind that the reactivity of a soft slab is harder to assess.
If you're committing to complex terrain, keep some distance between the group members, prioritize the use of higher ground and plan some safe spot down your line.
Summary
Confidence
High
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 bulletin@avalanchequebec.ca.
Snowpack Summary
Little changes since yesterday. Above 600m, moderate to strong winds have redistributed the available snow, exposing the ice in open areas, and creating isolated wind slabs of varying density on immediate lees, cross and reverse loaded features. Below 600m, there is a generalized brittle crust, which becomes less and less noticeable when skiing as we approach 600m. The mid-snowpack is well consolidated, with a constant progression in density. The January 18 crust is buried under sixty to one hundred centimetres of snow, and still has a layer of faceted grains above it. The best skiing remains in sheltered areas, above 600m, where the snow has been preserved from the weather events of the last few days (warm temperatures and wind).
In general, the depth of the snowpack varies from 70 to 90 cm in the valley to 100 to 150 cm at mid-mountains.
Weather Summary
Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits.
Synopsis: The movement of the ice will allow some light precipitation due to squalls for the next few days.
Wednesday evening and night: Mostly cloudy. 1-2 cm of snow. Winds from 35 to 45 km/h from the northwest. Min -20C.
Thursday: Increasing clouds. Trace of snow. Winds 45 km/h easing off to 15 km/h from the northwest. Max. -25C.
Friday: Gradual clearing. Trace of snow. Winds from 15 to 25 km/h from the northwest. Max -26C.
Saturday: Cloudy. 1-2 cm of snow. Winds from 35 to 40 km/h from the northwest. Max. -30C.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Snow transport has been observed on peaks and ridges. In the alpine and open areas at and below treeline, these slabs may rest on the January 18 crust, increasing the likelihood of being triggered by a skier.
Aspects: North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
A slab has formed on top of the facets on crust interface of the January 18th, which is now buried at a depth of 60 cm. Although the probability of triggering an avalanche is very low, this interface exists, and could, in isolated places, react to skier traffic. An avalanche on the surface could also step down to the deeper layer.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 23rd, 2023 3:00PM
