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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 30th, 2026–Jan 31st, 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 unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Chic-Choc Mountains, Chic-Chocs.

More snow than expected fell in the forecast area. Reactive wind slabs formed in the alpine on Friday.

Until they stabilize, avoid alpine terrain that has recently been loaded by wind and exercise caution at the tree line.

Conditions are excellent below the tree line.

Confidence

High

  • We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.

Avalanche Summary

A size 1 avalanche was triggered in a controlled manner by the field team on a convexity of the Grande-Cuve at Mont Albert (south aspect). It was a low-density wind slab avalanche with a thickness of 20 to 50 cm. Several tests on small slopes with the same aspect showed reactivity and were reported by skiers.

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

Snowpack Summary

Between 15 and 20 cm of new snow fell on Friday, more than forecast. This snow was heavily wind-transported in the alpine of Mount Albert, forming soft, reactive wind slabs resting on older, hard slabs. Wind-exposed areas are scoured.

In sheltered areas, the recent low-density snow rests on a snowpack that is gradually densifying. A layer of faceted grains is locally present at a depth of about 20–40 cm, but its reactivity is currently limited below treeline.

The December 20 crust is buried at a depth of 60 to 100 cm, depending on the area. The base of the snowpack is highly faceted.

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

Weather Summary

WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS

Pressure rising and nice weather arriving for the weekend.

Friday evening and night: Intermittent snow. Winds from the northwest at 15 to 35 km/h. Low -16°C.

Saturday: Alternating sun and clouds. Winds from the northwest at 10 to 30 km/h. High -13°C.

Sunday: Alternating sun and clouds. Light winds from the north. High -7°C.

Monday: Alternating sun and clouds. Winds from the north at 20 to 40 km/h. High -8°C.

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.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.

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.