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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 16th, 2026–Jan 17th, 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, human triggered possible.
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.

New wind slabs are forming on northeast through south-facing aspects. They may react to the weight of riders, as wind slabs are most reactive during their formation. Seek areas that are not wind-loaded.

Confidence

High

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

Avalanche Summary

Small loose dry snow avalanches were observed on Friday in steep terrain, on slopes steeper than 40 degrees.

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

Snowpack Summary

Strong winds have created highly variable conditions in the alpine and near treeline, with everything from scoured areas to hard wind slabs, wind-packed snow, and more recent, softer slabs.

We have received around 10 cm of new snow since Thursday. This snow is adding to the 30 to 40 cm of low-density snow from the storm earlier this week. Below 600 m in elevation, the new snow is sitting on a breakable melt freeze crust that formed on Thursday.

The December 20 crust is now located 70 to 110 cm below the surface and is in a degrading phase. The faceted grains above this crust are rounding due to warmer temperatures and are becoming less reactive in stability tests. This layer appears to be gradually strengthening.

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

Weather Summary

WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS

A ridge of high pressure will settle directly over the Gaspé Peninsula, bringing generally sunny conditions along with light southwesterly winds.

Friday evening and overnight: Skies clearing overnight. Snow accumulation of 1 to 2 cm. Northwest winds at 30 to 60 km/h. Low of −17 °C.

Saturday: Sunny. Southwest winds at 20 to 40 km/h. High of −12 °C.

Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud. Southwest winds at 20 to 40 km/h. High of −8 °C.

Monday: Snow. Accumulation of 2 to 4 cm. Light winds. High of −6 °C. Freezing level near 300 m.

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.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.

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.