A special avalanche warning has been issued for backcountry users across British Columbia and western Alberta, as a dangerously unstable snowpack continues to pose a serious risk of human-triggered avalanches.
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The warning, issued by Avalanche Canada in coordination with Parks Canada, Alberta Parks and the Province of British Columbia, will remain in effect until Monday, March 3.
Avalanche forecasters have identified a highly unstable layer of snow — a “cohesive slab” measuring between 30 and 100 centimetres — resting on weak layers of snow that developed during prolonged dry spells earlier in the season.
“This has created a reactive avalanche problem leading to serious incidents and close calls,” the warning states, adding there is an increased risk of serious and potentially fatal avalanches for backcountry travellers.
Human-triggered avalanches likely
Avalanche Canada Forecaster Zoe Ryan says authorities have been tracking these weak layers of snow “closely” over the past month.
“Now that the snow on top of them has consolidated, it’s a recipe for dangerous avalanches. These highly problematic layers remain primed for human triggering,” she said in a statement.
“We know backcountry users are eager to enjoy the snow,” Ryan added, “but this is a tricky avalanche problem. The snowpack is going to take time to strengthen. Good travel habits and selecting conservative terrain will be critical because getting caught in one of these avalanches could be deadly.”
While natural avalanche activity has decreased, officials warn that human-triggered slides remain a significant threat, especially in areas with steep or complex terrain.
Kelly Greene, the B.C. Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, also emphasized the gravity of the situation.
“Avalanche conditions across B.C. are especially dangerous, and I strongly urge people to stay alert and be extra careful,” Greene said in a statement. “The weather is starting to warm, and that will bring more people to the mountains.”
Greene added: “Avalanches can have devastating consequences and, tragically, have claimed the lives of two people in B.C. this year.”
Greene urged people to check avalanche forecasts before heading out, and consider delaying their trip to the mountains until conditions are safer.
The warning comes after a fatal avalanche in the Forster Creek area on Sunday.
A group of three snowmobilers was riding near Thunderwater Lake when one of them triggered an avalanche on a steep, wind-affected slope, according to an Avalanche Canada incident report. The avalanche, measuring 40 metres wide and 300 metres long, fully buried the victim under 50 to 60 centimetres of snow.
“A companion rescue was carried out with assistance from other riders in the area, but unfortunately the subject did not survive,” Avalanche Canada said.
To reduce risk, Avalanche Canada recommends:
● Sticking to lower-angle slopes (less than 30 degrees)
● Choosing terrain that minimizes the consequences of an avalanche
● Travelling one at a time when exposed to avalanche terrain
● Avoiding sun-exposed slopes during warm and/or sunny conditions
Backcountry users are urged to always check the avalanche forecast at avalanche.ca. Travellers should also carry essential rescue gear, including an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel, the warning states.