The Canadian Avalanche Centre is urging snowmobilers and other backcountry enthusiasts to be extra careful when out in the mountains this weekend as the slippery surfaces created by the extended cold snap are now covered in deep snow.
Depending on the area, up to 70 cm of snow has fallen in the Northern Rockies this week, "which is quite a bit," CAC public avalanche forecaster Joe Lammers said Friday.
On top of the trouble that comes with a weak bond between the old surfaces and the new snow, strong winds have shifted the new snow into "deeper, more destructive deposits," he said.
"So what we're left with is really touchy conditions with potential for large and destructive avalanches."
Rather than "heal" over a day or two after the storm, the weakness is "likely to persist for quite some time," Lammers added.
Sledders and skiers can still take to the hills, but they will need to choose their spots.
"If you're on your snowmobile, that could be meadows or sometimes powerlines or frozen lakes - areas that are quite a distance away from any avalanche path," Lammers said.
For skiers and snowboarders, Lammers suggested dense forest away from open glades or run-out zones for avalanches.
No matter what the conditions are, Lammers said everyone should be carrying avalanche transceivers, probes and shovels and know how to use them.
At a minimum, everyone should have completed level one avalanche skills training program before they head into the backcountry. Program providers and dates can be found at www.avalanche.ca under the training tab.
