We are uncertain about the reactivity of wind slabs in alpine terrain. Use caution when approaching wind-loaded areas, and remember that, at present, the best snow can be found in wind-protected areas.
Wind slabs formed earlier this week may still react to skier triggering, especially near ridgelines and on convex features. Slab thickness ranges from 20 to 50 cm.
An avalanche crown in the Mélèzes Sud area was observed from the Ruisseau Isabelle parking lot. The wind slab avalanche appears to have been triggered by skiers.If you have any information about this avalanche, please do not hesitate to contact us or submit a MIN report.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Since Monday evening, we received 20–25 cm of new snow. In alpine terrain and near treeline, we are finding a combination of wind-affected snow and overlapping wind slabs.
In wind-sheltered areas, there is 30–40 cm of low-density snow at the surface. Below 600 m elevation, a friable melt-freeze crust formed last Thursday is present at a depth of approximately 10–20 cm.
The December 20 crust is now buried at a depth of 60–110 cm. The faceted grains at its surface are slowly rounding and are becoming less reactive in stability tests. This layer appears to be gradually strengthening.
The average snowpack depth at mid-mountain is approximately 120 cm.
A weak low-pressure system will pass over the Gaspésie this Thursday, bringing a few centimeters of snow.
Wednesday evening and night: Mostly cloudy. West winds at 20 to 30 km/h. Low of −17 °C.
Thursday: Snow beginning in the afternoon. Accumulation of 2 to 4 cm. Southwest winds at 20 to 40 km/h. High of −10 °C.
Friday: A mix of sun and clouds. West winds at 15 to 30 km/h. High of −15 °C.
Saturday: Mostly sunny. Northwest winds at 40 to 60 km/h. High of −22 °C.
