Avalanche Canada has included sections of two more regions in the special public avalanche warning it issued on March 24. The warning is now in effect for the Sea-to-Sky region, South Coast Inland west of Highway 1, North Rockies, Cariboos, North Columbia and the South Columbia region north of Highways 6 and 31A. This warning applies to recreational backcountry users and is in effect through March 29.
Please click here to see a map of the area covered by this warning.
“Avalanches are being triggered both in the newer, surface snow and in deeper layers that formed earlier in the winter,” Public Avalanche Warning Service Manager Karl Klassen said in the Marcyh 24 warning. “This challenging scenario is resulting in numerous close calls and led to two fatalities this past weekend.”
These conditions are expected to continue for some time and Avalanche Canada recommends backcountry users stay on simple, low-angle terrain; avoid large, steep slopes; minimize exposure to overhead hazard; avoid travelling where other users are on slopes above; and re-group in safe zones away from avalanche run-outs until conditions improve. If you do not have the training or experience to assess avalanche terrain and local conditions, it’s a good idea to recreate where avalanche risk is professionally managed.
“All backcountry users must be equipped with essential avalanche safety equipment,” the warning said. “Everyone in the party needs an avalanche transceiver, a probe and a shovel every day. It’s equally important that everyone has avalanche training and has practiced using this equipment. If an avalanche occurs, the rescue is up to you. There is no time to go for help.”
To read the full avalanche forecast, check www.avalanche.ca. For further thoughts on conditions, refer to the Forecaster Blog at www.avalanche.ca/blogs.
