Avalanche forecast

Chic-Choc Mountains

Jan 19 – 20, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Depending on the amount of snow received by Tuesday evening, new wind slabs of varying size will form on north to southeast aspects. Be cautious of the layering of different wind slabs that may still be reactive. The best conditions are found below treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Over the coming days, new wind slabs are expected to form on north to southeast aspects. Their thickness will depend on the amount of snow received Monday night and Tuesday. Wind slabs are generally most reactive while they are forming.

    Older wind slabs still appear to be reactive to skier loading in some areas. They are found on east to southwest aspects, with thicknesses ranging from 10 to 40 cm. Avoid wind-loaded areas until the wind slabs have stabilized.

Confidence

Moderate

  • Uncertainty is due to the track & intensity of the incoming weather system.

Avalanche Summary

Small avalanches in the Mines Madeleine area were reported to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

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

Snowpack Summary

Strong winds have created high variability in the alpine and at treeline: conditions range from scoured areas to stacked wind slabs and wind-compacted snow.

In wind-sheltered areas, 30–40 cm of low-density snow remains at the surface. Below 600 m elevation, a friable melt-freeze crust formed last Thursday is present at a depth of approximately 5–10 cm.

The December 20 crust is now buried at a depth of about 60–110 cm. The faceted grains at its surface are rounding and showing decreasing reactivity in stability tests. This layer appears to be gradually gaining strength.

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

Weather Summary

WEATHER FOR THE CHIC-CHOCS RIDGES AND PEAKS

A low-pressure front will move across the Gaspé Peninsula on Tuesday, bringing a few centimetres of snow before cold temperatures arrive as early as Tuesday evening.

Monday evening and night: Intermittent snow. Accumulation of 2 to 4 cm. Southwest winds of 30 to 50 km/h. Low of −12 °C.

Tuesday: Intermittent snow. Accumulation of 4 to 6 cm. Southwest winds of 30 to 50 km/h. High of −11 °C.

Wednesday: Generally sunny. West winds of 50 to 70 km/h. High of −16 °C.

Thursday: Intermittent snow. Accumulation of 2 to 4 cm. Southwest winds of 20 to 40 km/h. High of −12 °C.

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

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.

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