Avalanche warning issued for parts of BC backcountry

Crews conduct avalanche control measures. (File Photo)

Avalanche Canada has issued a special advisory and is urging backcountry users to be cautious and come prepared if out in BC’s mountainous regions this weekend.

The warning applies to the following areas:

Officials say snow storms across the province have buried a weak layer and that all elevation bands are potentially hazardous but it is particularly prevalent at lower elevations.

“We’ve had a relatively stable snowpack up to this point but things have changed now,” said James Floyer, Avalanche Canada’s Forecasting Program Supervisor. “We urge all recreational backcountry users to recognize this shift and to exercise more caution. Staying safe in the backcountry this weekend requires selecting simple, low-angled terrain, even when you’re at lower elevations below treeline.”

Avalanche officials say every person in a backcountry party should come prepared:

The Special Public Avalanche Warning for recreational BC backcountry users will be in effect from Friday January 22 to Monday January 25. Click HERE for daily forecasts from Avalanche Canada.

Glacier National Park is also issuing a public warning on Friday and large areas are closed so crews can deploy explosives for avalanche control.

The area is expected to be reopened on Saturday, click HERE for the latest updates.