Special public avalanche warning issued for central Rockies

A special public avalanche warning was issued for the central Rockies late Thursday afternoon. (Photo: Avalanche Canada)

A special public avalanche warning was issued late Thursday afternoon for many areas in the central Rockies, including Banff, Yoho, Kootenay and Jasper National Parks, as well as Kananaskis Country.

The warning remains in effect through the end of the day Monday, March 24.

A combination of recent snow overlaying a snowpack weakened by recent warm spells has created a number of large avalanches over the past two weeks, including two that killed two skiers in Banff and K-Country.

Natural avalanche activity is starting to taper off, but the snowpack is vulnerable to human-triggering. That means avalanches could be triggered remotely, from a distance -- and by warming temperatures, sun and stormy weather.

Weak layers can be buried under up to 90 centimetres of storm snow, with up to 15 more centimetres expected by the weekend, which will add to slabs over the weak layers, creating unstable, volatile conditions.

Backcountry visitors are advised to be alert to conditions and are encouraged to choose low-angle terrain without overhead hazard or terrain traps.

Avalanches on this layer may run far and release unpredictably. Slopes that have tracks on them should not be considered safe.