Special avalanche warning issued for regions in British Columbia and Alberta

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — Avalanche Canada has issued a special warning for recreational backcountry users in areas like Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge.

According to a February 27th press release, weak layers of snow between 30 and 100 centimetres deep have developed during drought periods earlier in the year. 

“We’ve been tracking these weak layers closely over this past month,” says avalanche forecaster Zoe Ryan.

This has reportedly led to a “reactive avalanche problem” with several incidents and close calls.

“Now that the snow on top of them has consolidated, it’s a recipe for dangerous avalanches,” Ryan says. 

The warning has gone into effect immediately and will last until March 3rd. 

Affected areas include Chetwynd, Tumbler Ridge and Mackenzie. 

The agency recommends sticking to less than 30-degree slopes, choosing terrain with lower risks of avalanches, travelling one at a time while on avalanche terrain and avoiding sun-exposed slopes in warm and sunny conditions.

“We know backcountry users are eager to enjoy the snow, but this is a tricky avalanche problem,” says Ryan.

“Good travel habits and selecting conservative terrain will be critical because getting caught in one of these avalanches could be deadly.”

Kelly Greene, minister of emergency management and climate readiness, says avalanche conditions across B.C. are especially dangerous.

“The weather is starting to warm, and that will bring more people to the mountains, says Greene.

“Avalanches can have devastating consequences and, tragically, have claimed the lives of two people in B.C. this year.

“I urge everyone to check the avalanche forecast before heading out, make cautious decisions and consider delaying their trip to the mountains until conditions are safer.”

Areas in Alberta, such as Grande Cache and Jasper, also fall under the warning.

Forecasts can be viewed on Avalanche Canada’s website.