Avalanche bulletin
The best snow is definitely below treeline. Higher up, the wind has hardened or even made the snow disappear.
Monday

Moderate
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
Natural avalanches unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible.
Small avalanches in specific areas; or large avalanches in isolated areas.

Moderate
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
Natural avalanches unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible.
Small avalanches in specific areas; or large avalanches in isolated areas.

Low
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
Natural and human-triggered avalanches unlikely.
Small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain.
Alpine | Moderate |
Treeline | Moderate |
Below Treeline | Low |
Tuesday
Alpine | Moderate |
Treeline | Moderate |
Below Treeline | Low |
Wednesday
Alpine | Moderate |
Treeline | Moderate |
Below Treeline | Low |
Travel advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
Avalanche problem 1 : Wind Slab




Avalanche problem 2 : Persistent Slab




Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche was reported since last Thursday.
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 bulletin@avalanchequebec.ca.
Snowpack Summary
With the extreme westerly wind that blew for 2 days, much of the available snow was moved into the alpine and treeline forming new wind slabs. As a result, a great deal of spatial variability is present in windy areas, from wind slabs to wind-affected snow to ice or rock. With the cold temperatures, facets are developing over the January 18 crust and have demonstrated some weaknesses in our tests.
In general, the height of the snowpack varies from 70 to 90 cm in the valley to 100 to 150 cm at mid-mountain.
Weather Summary
Forecast for the Chic-Chocs ridges and summits.
A weak low-pressure system arriving from the north will pass over the region on Sunday evening and Monday morning and is followed by a high-pressure system bringing good weather until Tuesday.
Sunday evening and night: Light snow showers (1 to 3 cm). Wind northwest 10 to 20 km/h. Low -18.
Monday: Intermittent snow (1 cm). Wind northwest 20 to 30 km/h. High -14.
Tuesday: Sunny. Wind southeast 30 to 50 km/h. High -11.
Wednesday: Snow showers (3 to 4 cm). Wind northwest 40 to 80 km/h. High -8.
For more details, check the Alpine Weather Forecast.
Confidence: Moderate
- Uncertainty is due to the fact that persistent slabs are particularly difficult to forecast.
- 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+
1 - Low
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
Natural and human-triggered avalanches unlikely.
Small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain.
2 - Moderate
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
Natural avalanches unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible.
Small avalanches in specific areas; or large avalanches in isolated areas.
3 - Considerable
Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.
Natural avalanches possible; human-triggered avalanches likely.
Small avalanches in many areas; or large avalanches in specific areas; or very large avalanches in isolated areas.
4 - High
Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.
Natural avalanches likely; human-triggered avalanches very likely.
Large avalanches in many areas; or very large avalanches in specific areas.
5 - Extreme
Avoid all avalanche terrain.
Natural and human-triggered avalanches certain.
Large to very large avalanches in many areas.
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
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