Avalanche warning for North Columbia region

Avalanche Canada is issuing a special public avalanche warning for recreational backcountry users from Friday, January 20 to the end of day Monday, January 23.

The warning applies to the North Rockies, northern section of the Cariboos and the northern tip of the North Columbia region.

The recent warm temperatures and new snow have resulted in a dense slab layer, which is resting on a very weak base. This combination of factors results in a snowpack that is unstable, making it very easy for riders to trigger large avalanches.

“It was unusually cold and dry in this region through December and early January, giving the area a very thin and weak snowpack,” said Avalanche Canada’s forecasting program supervisor James Floyer.

“We have been anticipating this problem for a while and now it’s here. This week’s warmer temperatures and new snow have created a very dangerous situation for backcountry users.”

Floyer said the problem can be managed through good terrain choices to avoid human triggered avalanches.

“With these conditions, it’s vital that riders make conservative choices in their riding,” Floyer said.

Avalanche Canada recommends that anyone who is venturing into the backcountry has an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel. A two-day Avalanche Skills Training 1 course is the minimum training recommended for travelling in avalanche terrain. For current conditions, check www.avalanche.ca.

For more information on our concerns about the shallow snowpack, click here.