VANCOUVER — Avalanche Canada has issued a special public avalanche warning for recreational backcountry users in B.C. and Alberta.
The forecasting agency said Monday that the warmer temperatures expected to last throughout the week will increase the likelihood of avalanches throughout the mountains. That nice weather, combined with B.C.’s spring break, means more people will be heading to the backcountry this week.
The warning is widespread and applies to all mountain ranges in Western Canada, including Vancouver Island’s backcountry.
“This is the first big warming to hit our snowpack, which is still fairly complex and winter-like,” said senior avalanche forecaster Grant Helgeson. “Any time the snowpack is hit with a big change, it tends to destabilize. The temperatures are forecast to increase substantially this week, with no nighttime cooling. This will weaken the snowpack on all aspects,” increasing the avalanche hazard.
All backcountry users, including those going outside ski area boundaries, are advised to keep careful track of regional avalanche forecasts at avalanche.ca. Avalanche Canada said everyone in a backcountry party needs to carry essential rescue gear — transceiver, probe and shovel — and possess the knowledge to use it.
