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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 2nd, 2026–Jan 3rd, 2026

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

Regions

Chic-Choc Mountains, Chic-Chocs.

Wind-driven storm snow could form significant wind slabs in alpine terrain and at the tree line.

The safest conditions will be found in areas well sheltered from the wind.

Confidence

Moderate

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

Avalanche Summary

Lots of sluffing triggered by skiers on the north faces of the Madeleine mines on Friday.

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

Snowpack Summary

When we visited the Madeleine mines on Friday, more than 30 cm of new snow had been added to the 15 to 30 cm of low-density snow already present in the mountains. The northern part of the forecast area appears to have received more precipitation.

This snow lies on a crust formed on 20 December, on which a layer of facetted grains is developing. This fragile interface will be closely monitored over the coming weeks.

Snow distribution is very uneven in alpine terrain and near the tree line: some slopes are almost bare, while others have significant accumulations of wind-blown snow.

The average snow depth at mid-mountain varies between 70 and 110 cm.

Weather Summary

WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS

Steady westerly winds and very cold temperatures are expected for the weekend.

Friday evening and night: Intermittent snow, 1 to 3 cm. Westerly winds of 30 to 50 km/h. Low of -23.

Saturday: Cloudy, light snow. Westerly winds of 30 to 50 km/h. High -22.

Sunday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind from the west 20 to 40 km/h. High -20.

Monday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind from the northwest 30 to 50 km/h. High -22.

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.