A Special Public Avalanche Warning has been issued across much of the Rockies.
The warning was issued by Avalanche Canada in partnership with Parks Canada, Alberta Parks, and the Province of British Columbia. It applies to Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, and Jasper National Parks, Kananaskis Country, and areas surrounding those parks.
It's already in effect and will remain in place through Monday, March 24.
The warning comes amid warmer temperatures that have created hazardous avalanche conditions, with avalanches having claimed two lives last weekend.
A weak layer of snowpack lies underneath recent storm snow, creating dangerous and unpredictable conditions.
"Avalanches triggered on this layer have propagated widely, even through forested areas, and may involve the entire depth of the snowpack," reads a release from Avalanche Canada.
Though the rate of natural avalanches has been decreasing, the chances of human-triggered avalanches remain high.
“All backcountry users should educate themselves on avalanche terrain, avalanche safety equipment and companion rescue, and stay up to date on advisories and warnings in the area," said Alberta Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen. "Taking the time to fully prepare yourself and avoid dangerous avalanche conditions will help keep you and those around you safe.”
Avalanche Canada has released a few recommendations for recreational back-country users:
- Sticking to lower-angle slopes (less than 30 degrees)
- Avoid terrain with exposure to overhead hazards, terrain traps, or runout zones
- Avoiding avalanche terrain
- Avoiding sun-exposed slopes during warm and/or sunny conditions
They also advise people to carry an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel when venturing into the Rockies, and to know how to use them.
The avalanche forecast can be seen on the Avalanche Canada website.