Avalanche forecast

Chic-Choc Mountains

Feb 15 – 16, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Conditions remain highly variable across the forecast area. In some locations, older wind slabs may still react to a skier’s weight, especially on south-facing aspects. Don’t get caught off guard — actively assess slab reactivity and choose your terrain accordingly.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The forecast area shows significant spatial variability. In the Mines Madeleine sector, wind slabs rest on a layer of very large rimed grains buried 30–50 cm deep. Recent stability tests indicate these wind slabs are very easy to trigger while skiing on these aspects. This problem is most commonly observed below ridgelines in areas of snow accumulation.

    Elsewhere in the forecast area, wind slabs rest on a thin sun crust, increasing their sensitivity to triggering. They may also sit over harder slabs, providing a smooth sliding surface.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to a highly variable snowpack.

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, snow coverage is highly variable: north and west aspects are often scoured, while other aspects alternate between firm snow and stacked wind slabs of varying densities.

Below treeline, 10–20 cm of powder snow overlies a snowpack that gradually becomes denser.

A series of sun crusts is present on steep south-facing slopes. In most areas, these crusts are friable and do not significantly impact travel.

In the Mines Madeleine area, a layer of big rimed grains is buried beneath 30–50 cm of wind slab, producing very easy results in stability tests on southeast through northwest aspects.

The average snowpack depth at mid-elevation is approximately 110 cm.

Weather Summary

WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS
A relatively calm day in the mountains on Monday, ahead of a system arriving Tuesday bringing strong southerly winds and new snow.

Sunday evening and overnight: Mostly cloudy. Light northerly winds up to 15 km/h. Low of -10 °C.

Monday: Mostly cloudy. Southerly winds 10–20 km/h. High of -6 °C.

Tuesday: Intermittent snow beginning in the evening. Accumulation of 5–10 cm. Southerly winds 20–40 km/h. High of -5 °C.

Wednesday: Snow. Accumulation of 1–3 cm. Westerly winds 10–30 km/h. High of -10 °C.

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

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.

Regions covered