Avalanche forecast

Chic-Choc Mountains

Apr 23 – 24, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Friday is set to be snowy and cold. Small slabs could form in alpine terrain.

Exercise caution before venturing onto a slope that has recently been loaded by the wind.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    There is a possibility that wind slabs could form in alpine terrain, particularly if snowfall exceeds forecasts (more than 5 cm). These slabs would mainly form beneath ridges and below convex slopes. They could rest on a crust formed by falling temperatures, thereby providing a good sliding surface for avalanches.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about forecast precipitation amounts.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed or reported.

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

Snowpack Summary

The new snow will settle on a widespread crust. This week, the snow on sun-facing slopes has warmed in the sun and begun a freeze-thaw cycle. The surface snow has remained drier on north facing slopes.

At mid-mountain, the average snow depth is around 125 cm.

Weather Summary

WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS

A low-pressure system moving south of Nova Scotia will bring northerly winds and light snow showers on Thursday evening and Friday.

Thursday evening and overnight: Snow showers, 3 to 6 cm. Northerly winds of 15 to 30 km/h. Low -7°C.

Friday: Light snow. North-easterly wind 20–40 km/h. High of -2.5°C. Freezing level at 600 m.

Saturday: Cloudy. North wind 20–40 km/h. Maximum +3°C. Freezing level at 1,100 m.

Sunday: Sunny. North-westerly wind 10–20 km/h. Maximum +8°C. Freezing level at 1,400 m.

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

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
  • Although avalanches are unlikely when a hard crust exists on the snow surface, the crust may pose a slip and fall hazard.

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