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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 27th, 2026–Mar 28th, 2026

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

Regions

Chic-Choc Mountains, Chic-Chocs.

Recently formed wind slabs rest on a crust that provides an excellent sliding surface for avalanches. Avoid areas in the alpine that have recently been loaded by the wind until conditions stabilise, and opt for terrain that is safer.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to the variability of wind effect on the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday march 26th, a natural slab avalanche of size 1.5 to 2 was observed in real time by the field team in the Benny couloir, on a south-east-facing slope of the Mur des Patrouilleurs on Mont Albert. Heavy wind-driven snow accumulation had overloaded a lateral loading zone in the couloir, causing the slab to break away, which then slid down over the refrozen crust.

Thursday, a slab avalanche was deliberately triggered on the Patrouilleurs wall at Mont Albert and reported to the MIN. It occurred on a south-east-facing slope subject to lateral loading. The crown thickness was 25 cm, and the length of the avalanche is estimated at 200 m.

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

Snowpack Summary

The wind caused significant spatial variability in alpine and at the tree line, with conditions ranging from icy surfaces to powder snow, including packed snow and soft wind slabs.

Between 10 and 20 cm of light, low density snow covers a widespread crust. This crust is very hard in the alpine. Below the tree line, it is sometimes more brittle and unable to support a skier’s weight. Under the crust, the snowpack is well-consolidated.

At mid-mountain, the average depth of the snowpack is around 140 cm.

Weather Summary

WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS

A high-pressure system will bring clearer skies and cold temperatures on Saturday.

Friday evening and night: Partly cloudy, light snow. North-westerly wind 30–50 km/h. Low -23°C.

Saturday: A mix of sun and clouds. Westerly wind 20–40 km/h. High -14°C.

Sunday: Cloudy. Chance of snow showers, 2 to 4 cm. South-westerly wind 20 to 40 km/h. Maximum -7°C.

Monday: Snow 5 to 10 cm, chance of rain or freezing rain. Southerly wind 20 to 40 km/h. Maximum +1°C. Freezing level at 400m.


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

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Keep in mind a buried crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.

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.