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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 19th, 2023–Mar 20th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Chic-Choc Mountains, Littoral, Murdochville.

Heavier than expected recent snowfalls and sustained westerly winds are raising the danger rating to CONSIDERABLE in the alpine for Monday.

Sensitive wind slabs continue to develop at the top of the eastern slopes (NE-E-SE) and in cross loaded areas at treeline. They are particularly to be watched and avoided on steep unsupported slopes and convex rolls

If you go to the mountains, please share your observations of the conditions with other users on the Mountain Information Network

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed or reported.

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

About 10 to 15 cm of new dry snow has accumulated on the surface, with another 5 cm possible to come overnight Sunday. A total of 20-25 cm now covers the widespread melt-freeze crust. In downwind areas, accumulations can reach 30 to 50 cm thick in the form of wind slabs that continue to develop. The melt-freeze crust is present on the surface or barely buried in wind exposed areas in the alpine and at treeline. Below the melt-freeze crust, the middle and the base of the snowpack are well consolidated.

In general, the height of the snowpack varies from 90 to 110 cm in the valley to 120 to 170 cm at treeline.

Weather Summary

Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits.

Synopsis: A ridge of high pressure is moving in to bring clearing on Monday, accompanied by sustained westerly winds and cooler temperatures.

Sunday evening and night: Flurries, 4-7 cm, westerly winds 50 to 70 km/h, minimum -15 C.

Monday: A mix of sun and cloud, no precipitation, westerly winds 30 to 50 km/h, maximum -12 C.

Tuesday: Sunny, no precipitation, westerly winds 20-40 km/h, maximum -10 C.

Wednesday: Sunny, no precipitation, northwesterly winds 20 to 40 km/h, maximum -12 C.

For more details, see the Chic-Chocs alpine forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.