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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 16th, 2026–Feb 17th, 2026

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

Regions

Chic-Choc Mountains, Chic-Chocs.

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

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to a highly variable snowpack.
  • We are uncertain about forecast precipitation amounts.

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 low-pressure system will move across the Gaspé Peninsula over the next few days, bringing several centimetres of fresh snow.

Monday evening and overnight: Generally cloudy. Southwest winds at 10–20 km/h. Low of -8°C.

Tuesday: Cloudy. Snow beginning in the afternoon. Accumulation of 5–10 cm. Southwest winds at 20–40 km/h. High of -5°C.

Wednesday: Snow. Accumulation of 5–10 cm. Northeast winds at 10–20 km/h. High of -6°C.

Thursday: Cloudy. Accumulation of 2–4 cm. Northwest winds at 30–50 km/h. High of -8°C.

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

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Now is a good time for backcountry travel.
  • A hard crust on the snow surface will help strengthen the snowpack, but may cause tough travel conditions.

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.