Dashboard Regions Weather Stations Radar Alerts Glossary
Contact About
Log In

Register for an account and never miss a forecast again!

Register

Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 18th, 2026–Feb 19th, 2026

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Chic-Choc Mountains, Chic-Chocs.

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.

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.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.