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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 13th, 2026–Jan 14th, 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.

The change in wind direction and uncertainty about precipitation make it difficult to predict the extent of wind slabs on Wednesday.

Take the time to assess conditions before venturing into wind-exposed terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

  • Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.
  • Uncertainty is due to the extreme variability of wind effect on the snowpack.

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

The snow forecasted for Wednesday will settle on top of the 25 to 35 cm of snow that has been on the surface of the snowpack since Sunday and Monday's storm.

In sheltered areas, this new snow lies on a gradually denser layer down to the decomposing melt-freeze crust of 20 December. In places, a weaker layer of faceted grains lies just above this crust.

Strong winds have created great variability in the alpine and near the tree line, where there are bare areas as well as hard wind slabs, compacted snow and softer recent slabs.

The average snowpack depth at mid-mountain is approximately 110 cm.

Weather Summary

WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS

A low-pressure system is moving through, bringing mild temperatures and precipitation that is expected to remain snow on Wednesday and Thursday.

Tuesday evening and night: Light snow, 2 to 4 cm. Wind from the south, 30 to 50 km/h. Low -6.

Wednesday: Intermittent snow, 3 to 5 cm. Wind from the south, 30 to 50 km/h. High of -2. Freezing level at 525 m.

Thursday: Intermittent snow, 4 to 7 cm. Wind from the south at 30 to 50 km/h. High of -1. Freezing level at 800 m.

Friday: Light snow. Wind from the northwest at 30 to 60 km/h. High of -18.

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

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind-exposed terrain.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.

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.