Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 17th, 2025 2:30PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Wind Slabs.
Avalanche Québec,
Avalanche Canada
*** A special avalanche watch is activated for areas outside our forecast zone ***
Heavy snowfalls, accompanied by strong winds, hit the mountains. Several signs of instability were observed on Monday. It is essential to give the snow time to stabilize before exploring avalanche-prone areas.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Lots of signs of instability on the mountain today, whoumphs and cracking, but no avalanches reported or observed. Very limited observations.
If you are out in the backcountry, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
The conditions limited our observations. A minimum of 30 cm of new snow fell in the mountains, more in some areas, especially in the east. The strong wind, which changed direction several times (from southeast to northeast to northwest), moved and affected the snow, particularly in the alpine and at the treeline.
On the western and northern slopes, the new snow rests on a hard surface or rocks.
On eastern and southern slopes, it is deposited on old, hardened snow slabs.
The middle of the snowpack is simple and consolidated, but at depth, a fragile layer is present, especially where the snowpack is thin.
Weather Summary
WEATHER FOR THE CRESTS AND SUMMITS OF CHIC-CHOCS
Snow is still on the menu, but quantities vary greatly according to the various weather models and areas.
Monday evening and night: Snow, accumulations of 5 to 15 cm. Wind northwest, 30 to 50 km/h. Low -12.
Tuesday: Light intermittent snow. Accumulations of 5 to 10 cm. Wind northwest, 20 to 40 km/h. High -7.
Wednesday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind northwest, 20 to 40 km/h. High -4.
Thursday: Alternating sun and cloud. Wind northwest, 15 to 30 km/h. Maximum -7.
For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine weather forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
Problems
Storm Slabs
More than 30 cm of snow have fallen since Sunday evening, accompanied by swirling winds. The problem of storm snow slabs will turn into wind slabs under the effect of the north-westerly wind. Several signs of storm slabs were observed on Monday.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
In the wake of the storm and with moderate northwest winds, large wind slabs could form downwind and in laterally loaded areas.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 18th, 2025 3:00PM
