Avalanche forecast

Chic-Choc Mountains

Feb 14 – 15, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

New wind slabs are expected to form throughout Sunday due to forecast snowfall and moderate northeast winds. These slabs will be especially sensitive to triggering while they are forming. Use caution when approaching wind-loaded terrain — particularly below ridgelines and under convex features.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    New wind slabs will likely form throughout Sunday with the 4 to 8 cm of snow expected by Sunday evening and moderate northeast winds. These wind slabs are expected to form below ridgelines and on convex terrain features. They may be easily triggered by users, with estimated thicknesses ranging from 5 to 20 cm, depending on the actual amount of snowfall received.

    In some areas, these slabs may be deposited over a thin sun crust, which could increase their sensitivity to triggering. They may also sit above harder, more cohesive slabs.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about forecast precipitation amounts.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported or observed.

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

Snowpack Summary

In alpine terrain and at treeline, the snowpack shows strong spatial variability: north- and west-facing slopes are mostly scoured, while other aspects offer a mix of wind-hardened snow and overlapping wind slabs of varying densities. New reactive wind slabs may form throughout Sunday and could be deposited over older, more stubborn wind slabs.

Below treeline, 10 to 20 cm of soft powder overlies a snowpack that gradually becomes denser down to the crust formed on December 20.

A sun crust lightly buried by Thursday’s snowfall (2–4 cm) is present on steep south-facing slopes. It is very friable and does not hinder travel.

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

Weather Summary

WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS
A weak low-pressure system moving in from the Saguenay region could bring a few centimetres of snow by Sunday evening.

Saturday evening and overnight: Increasing cloud cover. Snow showers beginning around midnight. Accumulation of 2 to 4 cm. East winds at 10 to 30 km/h. Low of -10°C.

Sunday: Snow showers. Accumulation of 2 to 4 cm. Northeast winds at 20 to 40 km/h. High of -6°C.

Monday: A mix of sun and cloud. Light southeast winds. High of -5°C.

Tuesday: Intermittent snow. Accumulation of 2 to 5 cm. Southwest winds at 10 to 30 km/h. High of -5°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.
  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.

Regions covered