Avalanche Canada issues warning for B.C. backcountry

Avalanche conditions in the mountain parks remain extremely high following a deadly weekend that left three people dead and a third in critical condition.

Avalanche Canada is issuing a warning for everyone heading into the B.C. backcountry to be very cautious and stay safe while they are out on the slopes because of a heavy load on a fragile snowpack.

Officials with the organization say that recent snowfalls, along with winds and warm temperatures have made a very heavy load on the snowpack and has the potential to pose a significant danger to backcountry users.

"The wild swings in weather this season have left a mix of smooth crusts and persistent weak layers in our snowpack," said Avalanche Canada Public Avalanche Forecaster Joe Lammers in a release.

Lammers says that small avalanches were even triggered but just the slightest amount of human activity. "People were triggering slides even as they approached slopes."

Officials recommend that backcountry uers stay away from large, steep slopes, and stay on simple, low angle terrain. Users should also stay away from areas where others are on slopes high above them.

If you don't have the training or experience to assess avalanche risk, it's best to stay away from areas where avalanche risk is not professionally managed.

All backcountry users are advised to have all the essential avalanche equipment like an avalanche transciever, probe, and shovel. Proper training is also a must.

Avalanche Canada says the warning is in effect from December 26 through to 30.

The avalanche forecast is available online at www.avalanche.ca.