A special public avalanche warning was issued last week for recreational back country users across B.C. and Alberta. This special warning was in effect immediately and applied through the end of Monday, March 4.
Recent storms have deposited a significant amount of snow across Western Canada.
This new snow sits on prominent weak layers established in early February.
Now the storm has abated, the natural avalanche activity has slowed but human-triggered avalanches remain likely.
“We’ve been tracking these weak layers closely over this past month,” explained Avalanche Canada forecaster Tyson Rettie. “While their structure has different forms across different regions, the result is the same—highly problematic layers that remain reactive to human triggering.”
“This has been the biggest storm of the season, and we know backcountry users are eager to enjoy the snow. But it’s vital to not underestimate the instability of these weak layers. Any avalanche triggered on them could be deadly.”
Making cautious terrain choices will be an important strategy for all backcountry users over the next few days.
A good way to do this is by sticking to lower-angle slopes and choosing smaller objectives that minimize the consequences of an avalanche.
“Given the unpredictability of avalanches, and their devastating potential consequences, we’re urging everyone to stay safe by exercising caution and making informed decisions when planning a trip in the backcountry,” said Bowinn Ma, B.C.’s minister of emergency management and climate readiness. “Please follow the guidance of Avalanche Canada during this time of heightened risk.”
Back country users should always check the avalanche forecast at www.avalanche.ca.
Everyone in a backcountry party needs the essential rescue gear — transceiver, probe, and shovel — and the training to use it.
