Avalanche Canada is urging backcountry users to take extra caution as warm spring weather increases the risk of dangerous avalanches across the region.
A large portion of Kananaskis Country remains under a considerable avalanche risk rating, with several mountains and trails currently closed to the public. The area is expected to see double-digit temperatures and sunny skies this weekend, conditions that could trigger another avalanche cycle, including large and destructive slides.
“Rapid warming, especially following rain and high freezing levels, can destabilize the snowpack and increase the likelihood of natural avalanches,” Avalanche Canada warned in its latest update.
Forecasters say a dramatic shift in weather last week, featuring freezing levels above 3,000 metres followed by sunshine has created dangerous conditions.
Across B.C., large avalanches have occurred, some travelling far into flat terrain and carving out new paths by toppling mature trees.
On March 28, significant avalanche debris was reported in the Purcell Mountains near Leo Creek. Just days earlier, on March 24, three heli-skiers were killed and another critically injured in a deadly slide near Kaslo, B.C. On March 14, two more skiers died in separate avalanches in Alberta, one near Lake Louise and another near the Black Prince Day Use Area in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.
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With the spring melt now underway, Avalanche Canada is advising backcountry visitors to stick to low-angle terrain, avoid routes with overhead hazard, and steer clear of terrain traps.
Up-to-date avalanche forecasts and safety information are available at avalanche.ca.