Avalanche Canada says the warning is in effect for the B.C.-Alberta mountains until at least Monday
A special avalanche warning has been issued for large parts of B.C. and Alberta after some serious incidents and close calls in recent days due to an unstable snowpack in the mountains.
Avalanche Canada, along with Parks Canada, Alberta Parks and the province of B.C. issued the alert Thursday that will stay in place until at least Monday, March 3.
“A cohesive slab of snow 30 to 100 centimetres thick sits over a variety of prominent weak layers in the upper snowpack that formed during dry periods in January and February,” said the warning.
Natural avalanche activity has slowed recently, but “human-triggered avalanches remain likely,” it read.
“We’ve been tracking these weak layers closely over this past month,” said Avalanche Canada forecaster Zoe Ryan.
“Now that the snow on top of them has consolidated, it’s a recipe for dangerous avalanches. These highly problematic layers remain primed for human triggering.”
While Ryan said Avalanche Canada understands the allure of the back country at this time of year, she called current conditions “tricky.”
“The snowpack is going to take time to strengthen. Good travel habits and selecting conservative terrain will be critical because getting caught in one of these avalanches could be deadly,” said Ryan.
Avalanche Canada recommends backcountry enthusiasts stick to lower-angle slopes (less than 30 degrees), choose terrain that minimizes the consequences of an avalanche, and travel one at a time when exposed to potential avalanche terrain. It’s also key to avoid sun-exposed slopes when the temperature rises.
“Avalanche conditions across B.C. are especially dangerous, and I strongly urge people to stay alert and be extra careful,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, in the joint statement.
“The weather is starting to warm, and that will bring more people to the mountains. Avalanches can have devastating consequences and, tragically, have claimed the lives of two people in B.C. this year. I urge everyone to check the avalanche forecast before heading out, make cautious decisions, and consider delaying their trip to the mountains until conditions are safer.”
All backcountry groups should carry essential gear including an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel, and have training in using it.