Avalanche bulletin

Issued around 6 pm every day from December 1 to April 30

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Date issued
Friday 21 February 2025, 17 H 00
Valid until
Saturday 22 February 2025, 18 H 00
Prepared by
Avalanche Québec

Although the danger index in the alpine has dropped to moderate, the risk of triggering an avalanche remains. It is therefore essential to exercise extreme caution, as the consequences could be serious.

Danger ratings

Saturday

Alpine
Treeline
Below Treeline
2 - Moderate
2 - Moderate
1 - Low
Alpine 2 - Moderate
Treeline 2 - Moderate
Below Treeline 1 - Low

Sunday

Alpine 2 - Moderate
Treeline 2 - Moderate
Below Treeline 1 - Low

Monday

Alpine 2 - Moderate
Treeline 2 - Moderate
Below Treeline 1 - Low

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.

Problems

Avalanche problem 1 : Wind slab

What Elevation?
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Expected Size?
The wind slabs are slowly stabilizing, but if they are triggered, the consequences will be significant.

Avalanche Summary

A natural avalanche cycle of up to 2.5 in size took place this week in the alpine.

On the northern Gaspé coast, several large avalanches have been reported in recent days. These avalanches slid through the layer of facets at the base of the snowpack.

If you are out in the backcountry, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

On solar aspects (east, south and west), a thin sun crust has formed this week below treeline and possibly up to treeline. In addition, a thin layer of frost (3 to 6 mm) is present on the surface of the snowpack in some areas of our forecast zone, mainly in the McGerrigle mountains (Mines Madeleine and probably Ernest-Laforce). In the alpine and at treeline, the wind has sculpted the landscape, creating great variability. The landscape alternates between snowdrifts, hardened surfaces, eroded areas and snow accumulation. In areas sheltered from the wind, especially below treeline, this snow lies on a well consolidated mid-pack. However, a fragile layer of facets persists at the base. The height of the snowpack varies between 120 and 220 cm.

Weather Summary

WEATHER FOR THE CRESTS AND SUMMITS OF CHIC-CHOCS

An extensive ridge of high pressure forming near the Great Lakes will extend over Quebec until Saturday.

Friday evening and night: Partly cloudy. Winds north, 20 to 40 km/h. Low -15.

Saturday: Mostly sunny. Wind northwest, 20 to 40 km/h. High -10.

Sunday: Alternating sun and clouds. Accumulation 3 to 6 cm. Wind west, 20 to 40 km/h. High -8.

Monday: Sunny. Wind southwest, 20 to 40 km/h. High -9.

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

Confidence

Moderate

  • Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
  • Uncertainty is due to the extreme variability of wind effect on the snowpack.
Areas covered by the bulletin
  • Mont Albert
  • Mont Ernest-Laforce
  • Mont Hog’s Back
  • Champs-de-Mars
  • Mont Lyall
  • Mont Vallières-de-Saint-Réal
  • Mont Blanche-Lamontagne
  • Mines-Madeleine
Danger Ratings Explained
Forecast Disclaimer

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK

The authorized use of the information contained in this avalanche bulletin is limited to personal and recreational purposes. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the information is provided “as is” without any representation, condition or warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, without limitation, any implied warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or non-infringement. In no event shall Avalanche Quebec and its suppliers be liable for damages arising out of the use of the information or an inability to use it, including, without limitation, damages resulting from discomfort, injury or death, claims of third parties or other similar costs, or any damages (direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, punitive or otherwise) of any kind.

Natural phenomena such as avalanches and weather conditions cannot be accurately predicted. This should be kept in mind at all times when using the information contained in this bulletin. Backcountry travel is a high-risk activity and the use of the information contained in this bulletin does not replace the experience, knowledge and equipment required, nor does it replace the services of a mountain guide.

For backcountry rescue call 911 and tell them you are in the Chic-Chocs

EDUCATIONAL VIDEO

Do you know how to get the most out of the avalanche bulletin ? Our colleagues at Avalanche Canada will explain it to you !

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BE OUR EYES ON THE GROUND

By sharing your observations, you contribute to the accuracy of the avalanche bulletin and to the safety of all Chic-Chocs backcountry riders

Create a MIN report on the Mountain Information Network to share an avalanche observation or incident (public)