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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 20th, 2026–Jan 21st, 2026

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

Regions

Chic-Choc Mountains, Chic-Chocs.

Strong westerly winds will contribute to the formation of new wind slabs on east-facing aspects. Cold temperatures will slow the stabilization process and complicate search and rescue operations in the event of an accident. It would be wise to avoid committing terrain over the coming days.

Confidence

Moderate

  • Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, at treeline, there was cracking in the soft wind slabs in formation.

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

Snowpack Summary

Between Monday and Tuesday evening, we received 15–20 cm of new snow. In alpine terrain and near treeline, we are finding a combination of wind-affected snow and overlapping wind slabs.

In wind-sheltered areas, there is 30–40 cm of low-density snow at the surface. Below 600 m elevation, a friable melt-freeze crust formed last Thursday is present at a depth of approximately 10–20 cm.

The December 20 crust is now buried at a depth of 60–110 cm. The faceted grains at its surface are slowly rounding and are becoming less reactive in stability tests. This layer appears to be gradually strengthening.

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

Weather Summary

WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS

A cold front accompanied by strong westerly winds will move into the Gaspésie region from Tuesday evening through Thursday morning.

Tuesday evening and overnight: A few snow showers ending early. Accumulation of 1–2 cm. Westerly winds of 50–70 km/h. Low of −24 °C.

Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud. Westerly winds of 40–60 km/h. High of −16 °C.

Thursday: Intermittent snow. Accumulation of 4–6 cm. Southerly winds of 20–40 km/h. High of −12 °C.

Friday: A mix of sun and cloud. Westerly winds of 20–40 km/h. High of −14 °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.
  • 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.