Officials in Alberta and British Columbia are echoing a special public avalanche warning first issued by Avalanche Canada earlier this week as unstable snowpack and warming weather continue to create dangerous conditions across the central Rockies.
Avalanche Canada issued the warning in partnership with Alberta Parks, Parks Canada and the B.C. government. It remains in effect through Monday, March 24, and applies to several major mountain regions, including Kananaskis Country and Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho national parks.
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In its Special Avalanche Warning, Avalanche Canada said recent storm snow has buried weak layers in the snowpack, producing numerous very large avalanches in recent weeks.
“The snowpack remains primed for human-triggering,” the agency warned in its bulletin. “These avalanches could be triggered remotely, meaning they could be initiated from a distance.”
It also cautioned that, “avalanches on this layer may run far and release unpredictably,” and that “slopes that have tracks on them should not be considered safe.”
Several large avalanches have been reported in the past two weeks, resulting in two fatalities.
“With a special public avalanche warning in effect for Kananaskis Country, we want to make sure anyone heading to the mountains exercises extreme caution,” Alberta Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen said in a statement Thursday.
“All backcountry users should educate themselves on avalanche terrain, safety equipment and companion rescue, and stay up to date on advisories and warnings in the area.”
Officials are urging anyone entering avalanche terrain to carry essential rescue gear — including a transceiver, probe and shovel — and to travel with others trained in avalanche safety.
To reduce risk, Avalanche Canada recommends:
- Sticking to lower-angle slopes (under 30 degrees)
- Avoiding terrain traps and travelling one at a time through exposed areas
- Steering clear of sun-exposed slopes in warm or sunny weather
Avalanches kill more people in Canada each year than any other natural hazard.
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