Avalanche forecast

Chic-Choc Mountains

Dec 11 – 12, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
Early season

Highlights

Wind slabs are still forming, but remain very isolated in couloirs and depressions. Remain vigilant with regard to obstacles that are generally not buried.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    The new snow may have formed small isolated reactive wind slabs on west-facing slopes. As snow cover is limited, the problem is particularly prevalent in steep couloirs and terrain depressions of the alpine.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No avalanche activity was observed or reported.

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

Snowpack Summary

Before this storm, wind slabs were already observed in ravines and alpine couloirs, especially on east and south-facing slopes.

Beneath the wind-blown snow, there is a layer that is transforming into facetted grains, a fragile structure.

The snowpack thickness varies between 40 and 70 cm, with more accumulation in couloirs, gullies, and areas of maximum accumulation.

We are still in early season conditions: there are numerous obstacles on the ground, and they are still very much present!

Weather Summary

WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND SUMMITS

The low pressure system coming from the Great Lakes will continue to bring snow showers until Saturday afternoon.

Thursday evening and night: 2 to 3 cm of snow. Northwest wind 10 to 20 km/h. Low -14.

Friday: Intermittent snow, 5 to 10 cm. Northwesterly wind 30 to 50 km/h. High -8.

Saturday: Alternating sun and clouds. Light snow. Northwesterly wind 20 to 40 km/h. High -11.

Sunday: Alternating sun and clouds. Light wind from the west. High -8.

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

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
  • Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
  • Be cautious of buried obstacles, especially below treeline.

Regions covered