A special public avalanche warning has been issued for much of backcountry in the B.C. Interior and Alberta following winter storms that recently passed through Western Canada.
Forecasters have identified a critical weak layer roughly 60 to 100 centimetres below the surface which, combined with the recent snowfall, can trigger large avalanches by people skiing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling.
The warning is in effect until Monday, Dec. 27.
1/4 鉂楋笍 We have issued a Special Public Avalanche Warning for mountains across Southern BC and Alberta, effective until Sunday Dec 27.
乌鸦传媒� Avalanche Canada (@avalancheca)
乌鸦传媒淲ith indoor gatherings restricted by the pandemic, we recognize many of us will want to spend time outdoors in our beautiful backcountry over the holidays,乌鸦传媒� said James Floyer, forecast program supervisor for Avalanche Canada.
乌鸦传媒淧eople must be aware that even though the weather has settled, dangerous avalanche conditions remain throughout much of western Canada. There is a serious potential for large, human-triggered avalanches at this time.乌鸦传媒�
The warning specifically applies to the following regions:
乌鸦传媒� Kootenay-Boundary
乌鸦传媒� South Columbia
乌鸦传媒� North Columbia
乌鸦传媒� Purcells
乌鸦传媒� Cariboos
乌鸦传媒� North Rockies
乌鸦传媒� South Rockies
乌鸦传媒� Lizard Range-Flathead
乌鸦传媒� Banff National Park
乌鸦传媒� Yoho National Park
乌鸦传媒� Glacier National Park
乌鸦传媒� Waterton Lakes National Park
乌鸦传媒� Kananaskis Country
Avalanche Canada, Parks Canada, and Kananaskis Country are urging backcountry users to make conservative terrain choices and stick to low-angle or densely forested sloped when recreating in avalanche-prone areas. Forecasters warn users to look out for terrain traps like cliffs, rocks, gullies and creek beds, and to approach steep slopes with extra caution.
乌鸦传媒淲e know sunny weather can give people a false sense of security when they venture into the backcountry,乌鸦传媒� said Floyer. 乌鸦传媒淭his is not the time to let your guard down. Steep open slopes will look tempting but are best left alone for now.乌鸦传媒�
Anyone planning to head out in the backcountry should check the regional forecast with Avalanche Canada, and carry a transceiver, probe and shovel.
trevor.crawley@cranbrooktownsman.com
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