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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 29th, 2023–Jan 30th, 2023

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, 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.

Regions

Chic-Choc Mountains.

With the addition of new snow and wind, wind slabs remain the avalanche problem to watch for.

They may rest directly on the crust, or on old slabs that are not yet fully stabilized.

When the rating is MODERATE, the slopes should be carefully assessed before venturing out.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche was 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

With the addition of another 5 to 10 cm, there is now 40 to 60 cm of snow above the January 18 crust in areas protected from the wind. These areas protected from the latest winds are rare, but they do exist, especially below treeline or along trees at treeline.This new snow was greatly displaced by the moderate to strong winds from all directions to form a wide variety of surfaces, ranging from soft, to hard wind slabs, to crust in the alpine, to lower density snow and soft slabs in wind sheltered locations and below treeline. Testing over the past few days continues to produce sporadic results on interfaces in new snow and above the crust. So be sure to take the time to analyze the conditions when travelling. Below the January 18 crust is 15-20 cm of snow, generally well-packed, overlying facetted grains from the decomposition of the January 2 refreeze crust. This interface rests on a mixture of laminated crusts and facetted grains at the base of the snowpack.In general, the height of the snowpack varies from 60 to 80 cm in the valley to 100 to 140 cm in the mid-mountains.

Weather Summary

Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits.

Synopsis: A low pressure system from Ohio will bring snow beginning late Sunday.Sunday night and overnight: Snow, 5-10 cm. Wind southwest 20-40 km/h. Low -17 C. Monday: Cloudy in the morning, then light snow late in the day. Wind west, 20 to 30 km/h. High -15. Tuesday: Cloudy, light snow. Wind west, 10 to 30 kph. High -13. Wednesday: Alternating sun and cloud. Wind northwest, 30 to 50 kph. High -13.

For more details, check the Alpine Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.

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.