A clear, dry spell to start the month has created a perfect storm for avalanches.
The Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) issued a public avalanche warning from widespread areas for the B.C. backcountry. The warning, which is in effect from Feb. 24 to Feb. 27, includes the mountainous areas of the Cariboos, the North and South Columbias, the North and South Rockies, the Lizard Range, the Purcells, the South Coast Inland and Northwest Inland.
The weather conditions at the beginning of February had a weakening effect on the surface of the snow, explained CAC manager of public avalanche warning services Karl Klassen.
"Now that surface is buried and left us with a very complex upper snowpack, with a number of weak layers," said Klassen. "Conditions are very tricky to manage right now. If you're going into avalanche terrain, you need local knowledge, extensive experience and training."
The CAC is advising that everyone in a backcountry party needs to be equipped with a shovel, probe and transceiver. The CAC also recommends all users take an avalanche awareness course.
Since snowpack stability changes constantly throughout the winter, backcountry users should check the avalanche bulletin regularly to keep informed about conditions in their area. For more information, visit www.avalanche.ca/cac.
