Alpine weather forecast
Avalanche Québec offers a weather forecast specifically for the Chic-Chocs. It is prepared twice a week by a professional meteorologist at Alpine Weather Consultants.
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Published on
January 13, 2025Effective for
January 13, 2025 to January 16, 2025Short and medium-term outlook
A little more snow
The quiet weather over the weekend will continue into Monday thanks to weak high pressure north of the region. The ridge of high pressure isn’t quite strong enough to clear away the low-lying cloud so we can expect the cloudy skies to persist. In some places, primarily along the coast, the cloud is thick enough to squeeze out a snowflake or two but no accumulation is expected. The main benefit will be the continued light winds, -a rarity for the Chic-Chocs! Temperatures will be near seasonal with a high of -7C in the mountains before falling to -11C Monday night.
A weakening low pressure system and associated warm front will track south across nova Scotia on Tuesday. Light snow from the system will begin early Tuesday morning and continue through midday Wednesday. Winds will begin as light easterlies Tuesday morning, turn to moderate NE by the evening, and then turn to moderate NW Wednesday afternoon. The snow will be steady but light with 4-8 cms expected by Wednesday afternoon. Highest amounts are forecast along the foothills and the immediate coast. Lingering flurries will likely persist into the evening but should be light. Temperatures will be fairly steady Tuesday and Wednesday near -10C in the mountains so the new snow should be of a nice, light quality.
High pressure rebuilds over the eastern US beginning Thursday leading to more dry weather with cloudy skies through Friday. Temperature will trend downwards with Thursday night likely being our coldest so far this year near -20C. Looking further out, an Alberta Clipper type system is forecast to pass north of the region this weekend, bringing another handful of centimetres to the region. A trend towards snowier conditions emerges around January 20th but we shall see. Until, keep thinking snowy thoughts!
Forecast Confidence :
Confidence in the forecast is fairly good overall. The greatest uncertainty is around total snowfall amounts. The 8 cm mentioned above is likely on the highest end of the spectrum, most models are rather conservative in the 3-6 cm range. There is the Good confidence in the quiet pattern through the latter half of the week before light snow returns this weekend.
