Avalanche warning issued for much of B.C. and into Alberta

Avalanche Canada issued a special warning Thursday for the much of the backcountry across British Columbia and into Alberta.

The Cariboos and North and South Columbias are among the areas covered, as are Kootenay-Boundary, Purcells, and Jasper and Glacier National Parks Sea to Sky and South Coast Inland regions.

“Our main concern is a critical weak layer buried about 60 cm below the snow surface throughout these regions,” said Avalanche Canada forecasting program supervisor James Floyer. “This layer is deep enough to produce large avalanches, yet shallow enough to be triggered by a human or machine. The forecast of warm temperatures and sun will contribute to this problem this weekend.”

This weak layer is most active at treeline elevation, where the forest opens up and gives way to the alpine and many good riding options exist. Backcountry users are encouraged to stick to simple terrain and to avoid grouping up in places threatened by avalanches from above.

“Under the current conditions, sparsely treed slopes do not provide protection from avalanches and could be even more dangerous due to the risk of being swept into trees,” said Floyer. “Lower angled slopes or densely forested areas, where the tree canopies are touching, will be better choices as long as they are not threatened by steep slopes from above.”

Backcountry users should always check their regional avalanche forecasts at www.avalanche.ca. Everyone in a backcountry party needs the essential rescue gear - transceiver, probe, and shovel - and the knowledge to use it.