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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 18th, 2026–Jan 19th, 2026

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

Regions

Chic-Choc Mountains, Chic-Chocs.

Wind slabs are still reactive in our stability tests and could be triggered by a rider. Take the time to observe the snowpack and terrain, and identify terrain features of concern.

Confidence

High

  • The number, quality, or consistency of field observations is good, and supports our confidence.

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

Strong winds have created high variability in the alpine and at treeline: conditions range from scoured areas to stacked wind slabs and wind-compacted snow.

In wind-sheltered areas, 30–40 cm of low-density snow remains at the surface. Below 600 m elevation, a friable melt-freeze crust formed last Thursday is present at a depth of approximately 5–10 cm.

The December 20 crust is now buried at a depth of about 60–110 cm. The faceted grains at its surface are rounding and showing decreasing reactivity in stability tests. This layer appears to be gradually gaining strength.

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

Weather Summary

WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS

Calm conditions on Monday, ahead of the arrival of a low-pressure system that will cross the Gaspé peninsula on Tuesday.

Sunday evening and night: Mostly cloudy. Southeast winds up to 15 km/h. Low of −11 °C.

Monday: Mostly cloudy. West winds up to 15 km/h. High of −8 °C.

Tuesday: Snow. Accumulation of 6 to 8 cm. Southwest winds at 20 to 40 km/h. High of −11 °C.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny. West winds at 50 to 70 km/h. High of −20 °C.

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

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.

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.