How are you spending the extra day we get every four years tomorrow (Feb. 29)?
If your answer is up in the mountains to hit the slopes with family and friends, you may want to be extra cautious this weekend in particular.
According to Avalanche Canada, mountains in the North Rockies east of Prince George are at a high-risk rating, a four out of five on the danger scale, predicting slabs to be reactive this weekend.
Environment Canada has subsequently put up a snowfall warning for the city and its surrounding areas, eventually making its way northeast to the McGregor region, expecting about 10 cm to be accumulated by tomorrow morning.
With the exception of the north section, a strong storm tonight (Feb. 28) will cause shaky terrain at higher elevations and the treeline, while maintaining considerable conditions below treelines, making scenarios of human-caused avalanches very likely.
“For everywhere except the north of the region, around 20 to 30 cm of new snow Friday night to Saturday afternoon will accumulate, with associated south switching to northeast wind,” explains Avalanche Canada in its latest update.
“Storm and wind slabs will form quickly and on all aspects, as the wind will shift from south to northeast. Local snowfall amounts could be even higher, particularly on the eastern slopes where local snowfall enhancements could occur. Natural avalanche activity will be likely to occur during and shortly after the storm. These slabs will likely remain reactive to human traffic on Sunday and Monday.”
There’s better news, however, if you’re heading towards the Pine Pass.
Only five to 10 cm of snow is expected, but wind will be predominant at higher elevations, making slabs a bit ‘touchy.’
Avalanche Canada has issued the following tips if you plan on heading to the North Rockies anytime this weekend:
- Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 20 cm of new snow
- Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind
- Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazards
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar
- Use extra caution around cornices
- They are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below
It's time to start thinking about warming. It doesn't need to be bluebird for the sun to be having an effect on the snow. Keep an eye on overhead hazards like cornices and rocky areas that might be warming up, even in temps below 0.
— Avalanche Canada (@avalancheca) February 27, 2020
Get the forecast 👉https://t.co/JwMaRhyDrR pic.twitter.com/mn36c67Lg4
