Special public avalanche warning for mountains of Western Canada
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PRINCE GEORGE – Avalanche Canada, in partnership with Parks Canada and Alberta’s Kananaskis Country, is issuing a Special Public Avalanche Warning for recreational backcountry users, in effect immediately. The warning is widespread and applies to all the forecast regions in Western Canada.
At issue is the significant warming forecast to hit BC and Alberta this week. This dramatic temperature increase will increase the likelihood of avalanches throughout the mountains. At the same time, with the warm weather and BC’s spring break, we expect to see more people heading into the mountains.
“This is the first big warming to hit our snowpack, which is still fairly complex and winter-like,” explains Senior Avalanche Forecaster Grant Helgeson. “Any time the snowpack is hit with a big change, it tends to de-stabilize.”
Avalanche Canada warns that popular backcountry trails are often in avalanche territory and asks anyone using them to exercise extreme caution.
