The snowfall warning being extended has heightened the risk for avalanches in the region

By Tommy Osborne

Avalanche Risk

Increased snowfall warning heightens avalanche risk

Nov 29, 2024 | 4:10 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Prince George and the surrounding area’s snowfall warning has been extended to last through Nov.30, as the current weather system is lingering longer than expected.

“Another round of heavy snow is expected to start early Saturday morning. For the next snow storm, accumulations will be 10 to 15 cm, except higher amounts are likely over Lakes District, Fort St. James, and near Highway 97 north of Prince George. Snowfall intensity will ease Saturday night to Sunday,” Environment Canada’s website says.

The heavy snowfall has avalanche experts saying the risk of avalanches has certainly increased, especially when you factor in strong winds in the mountains.

“At the moment, we’ve got a considerable avalanche hazard for the Prince George and Northern Rockies region. That’s dangerous avalanche conditions with being likely to trigger avalanches,” said an Avalanche Forecaster with Avalanche Canada Ian Snowsell.

Beyond the snow, rain could also fall on Sunday. While this could make driving and the streets much more dangerous, Snowsell adds this could heighten the risk of avalanches too. However, he notes it’s unlikely rain would reach that high up in a mountain, and says longterm it could actually improve the situation.

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“As things cool back off and get back into kind of seasonal weather, it could potentially make things more stable long term. But yeah, realistic or likely in the short term during rain you’re going to see a bit of a spike in avalanche hazard,” Snowsell said.

While the risk is increased, does this mean you should avoid going to the backcountry? Snowsell says it should still be safe, but warns you need to be well prepared, educated, and check the avalanche forecast before you go.

“It’s absolutely reasonable for people to still be getting out in the backcountry. During times like this, just make sure you’ve been educated and you’ve got the right equipment, you’re going out there with the ability to make decisions, whether things will be safe or not for you for your planned objective,” Snowsell said.

For more information on avalanches and the avalanche forecast you can visit AvalancheCanada.ca.

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