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.
含羞草研究社� Avalanche Canada (@avalancheca)
含羞草研究社淲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,含羞草研究社� said James Floyer, forecast program supervisor for Avalanche Canada.
含羞草研究社淧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.含羞草研究社�
The warning specifically applies to the following regions:
含羞草研究社� Kootenay-Boundary
含羞草研究社� South Columbia
含羞草研究社� North Columbia
含羞草研究社� Purcells
含羞草研究社� Cariboos
含羞草研究社� North Rockies
含羞草研究社� South Rockies
含羞草研究社� Lizard Range-Flathead
含羞草研究社� Banff National Park
含羞草研究社� Yoho National Park
含羞草研究社� Glacier National Park
含羞草研究社� Waterton Lakes National Park
含羞草研究社� 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.
含羞草研究社淲e know sunny weather can give people a false sense of security when they venture into the backcountry,含羞草研究社� said Floyer. 含羞草研究社淭his is not the time to let your guard down. Steep open slopes will look tempting but are best left alone for now.含羞草研究社�
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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