Avalanche warning issued Thursday for backcountry users in B.C. and Alberta

A public avalanche warning was issued Thursday for backcountry users in B.C. and Alberta through Monday.

Avalanche Canada issued a special public avalanche warning Thursday for recreational backcountry users across B.C. and Alberta.

The warning is in effect immediately and remains in place through March 3.

According to a release, there’s a cohesive slab of snow 30 to 100 centimetres thick that sits over a variety of weak layers in the upper snowpack that formed during a dry stretch in January and February.

That has created a “reactive avalanche problem” that has led to a number of situations the organization described as “serious incidents and close calls.”

“While natural avalanche activity has slowed, human-triggered avalanches remain likely,” it said.

“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.”

“We know backcountry users are eager to enjoy the snow,” added Ryan, “but this is a tricky avalanche problem. 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.”

To minimize risk, Avalanche Canada recommends sticking to lower-angle slopes of less than 30 degrees, choosing terrain that minimizes the consequences of an avalanche, travelling one at a time when exposed to avalanche terrain and avoiding sun-exposed slopes during warm and/or sunny conditions.

“Avalanche conditions across B.C. are especially dangerous, and I strongly urge people to stay alert and be extra careful,” said Kelly Greene, B.C.‘s Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “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.”

Backcountry users are advised to always check the forecast at avalanche.ca and to carry essential rescue gear, including an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel – and to have the training to use it.