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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 17th, 2025–Feb 18th, 2025

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

Regions

Chic-Choc Mountains.

*** A special avalanche watch is activated for areas outside our forecast zone ***

Heavy snowfalls, accompanied by strong winds, hit the mountains. Several signs of instability were observed on Monday. It is essential to give the snow time to stabilize before exploring avalanche-prone areas.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Lots of signs of instability on the mountain today, whoumphs and cracking, but no avalanches reported or observed. Very limited observations.

If you are out in the backcountry, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

The conditions limited our observations. A minimum of 30 cm of new snow fell in the mountains, more in some areas, especially in the east. The strong wind, which changed direction several times (from southeast to northeast to northwest), moved and affected the snow, particularly in the alpine and at the treeline.

On the western and northern slopes, the new snow rests on a hard surface or rocks.

On eastern and southern slopes, it is deposited on old, hardened snow slabs.

The middle of the snowpack is simple and consolidated, but at depth, a fragile layer is present, especially where the snowpack is thin.

Weather Summary

WEATHER FOR THE CRESTS AND SUMMITS OF CHIC-CHOCS

Snow is still on the menu, but quantities vary greatly according to the various weather models and areas.

Monday evening and night: Snow, accumulations of 5 to 15 cm. Wind northwest, 30 to 50 km/h. Low -12.

Tuesday: Light intermittent snow. Accumulations of 5 to 10 cm. Wind northwest, 20 to 40 km/h. High -7.

Wednesday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind northwest, 20 to 40 km/h. High -4.

Thursday: Alternating sun and cloud. Wind northwest, 15 to 30 km/h. Maximum -7.

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

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.

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.