Avalanche Québec: The Go-To Resource for Avalanche Safety in Québec

In the Behind the Scenes in Gaspésie web series, Christine Bérubé-Martin meets people who provide visitors with rich winter experiences in the region. During one of her visits, she spoke with Jean-François Michaud, the avalanche forecasting manager at Avalanche Québec in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. Their conversation was an opportunity for her to find out more about mountain safety as well as the career path of this outdoor enthuasiast.

Choosing La Haute-Gaspésie

Jean-François Michaud left his life in Montréal over 10 years ago to be closer to the mountains. In the city, he worked as a community worker with homeless people. When he first arrived in Gaspésie, he became involved with guided ski companies and quickly realized he could turn his love of powder snow into a real career.

After working as a ski guide and backcountry terrain developer, he now holds the position of avalanche forecasting manager at Avalanche Québec. While he found his role as a community worker rewarding, he now considers himself lucky to be able to contribute to the safety of outdoor enthusiasts while living his passion to the fullest.

The science of snow in Eastern Canada

Located at the heart of the Chic-Choc Mountains about 20 km inland from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Avalanche Québec is the only avalanche centre east of the Rockies.

A non-profit dedicated to avalanche safety, Avalanche Québec is a unique organization that was first created in 1999 by the La Haute-Gaspésie Regional County Municipality and that has since expanded over the years with the help of numerous partners. The mission of the organization is to protect the public by preventing accidents and improving avalanche safety through building awareness as well as providing information and training.

From December 1 to April 30, forecasters go out into the field and work in teams of two to produce daily avalanche forecasts. While one person digs and makes observations in the snow, the other compiles field data. Combined with weather data, this information is used to analyze the presence of weak layers in the snowpack and assess avalanche risk.

Despite the accuracy of these assessments, Jean-François reminds skiers to take precautions in the mountains. He explains that since avalanche forecasts cover very large areas, they should not be considered gospel truth but rather used as a tool. You must still assess the terrain on your own. To enjoy the mountains safely, he also recommends taking avalanche safety training courses, staying informed and going out with experienced people.

To learn more about Jean-François Michaud and his work in the mountains, watch the episode Developing and Caring for the Summits. For more discoveries and to better understand what drives the people who make this region thrive, watch all the episodes of Behind the Scenes in Gaspésie, a web series presenting inspiring portraits of local people available on our YouTube channel.