Lawinenlagebericht

Chic-Choc Mountains

Feb 18 – 19, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Archiviert · abgelaufen 7 months ago

Lawinengefahr

Fri
Sat
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Kernpunkte

Small reactive wind slabs have been observed at treeline. In the absence of recent observations in alpine terrain, uncertainty remains at that elevation — manage terrain cautiously. Your observations are essential: please share them to help us refine the forecast.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Likely
    Größe
    1–2

    New wind slabs, reactive to skier traffic, are forming below ridgelines and on laterally loaded aspects. With favorable northwest winds, wind slabs may continue to develop over the coming days, depending on the amount of snow available for transport. These wind slabs are particularly reactive as they sit on sun crusts or firm snow, providing an excellent sliding surface. Wind slab thickness ranges from 10 to 50 cm.

    A problematic layer has been observed in the Mines Madeleine sector as well as in some coastal areas. In these locations, wind slabs sit on a layer of very large rimed grains buried 10 to 50 cm below the surface. Recent tests indicate that these slabs are easy to trigger by skiing on these aspects. This issue is primarily found below ridgelines and in areas of wind-loaded snow. The weak layer is mainly present on southeast through northwest aspects.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to the variability of wind effect on the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, newly formed wind slabs proved reactive to skier traffic, sliding on a firm underlying snow surface.

If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

We received 7–10 cm of new snow since Tuesday evening. This snow fell on a variety of surfaces, including wind-hardened snow, rocky surfaces, old wind slabs, sun crusts, and, below treeline, light powder snow.

In the Mines Madeleine area, as well as in some locations on Ernest-Laforce and along the coast, a layer of large rimed grains is buried beneath 20–50 cm of wind slab, producing very easy results in recent tests on east through northwest aspects.

The average snowpack depth at mid-elevations is approximately 120 cm.

Weather Summary

WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS
Moderate northerly winds will favor the development of snow showers. The northern part of the forecast region (Mines Madeleine) could receive a few additional centimeters of snow over the coming days.

Wednesday night: Intermittent snow. Accumulation of 2–4 cm. Northwest winds 20–40 km/h. Low −10°C.

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. Northwest winds 20–40 km/h. High −9°C.

Friday: Sunny. Northwest winds 20–40 km/h. High −19°C.

Saturday: Sunny. Northwest winds 20–40 km/h. High −8°C.

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

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

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