Avalanche warning extended amid fatality

The Special Public Avalanche Warning that was issued last week has been extended until Thursday due to dangerous conditions persisting.

According to Avalanche Canada, over the weekend, there were numerous natural, accidental, and remote-triggered avalanches reported, as well as a fatal accident near Revelstoke that claimed the life of an Alberta man. 

The Special Public Avalanche Warning that was issued last week has been extended until Thursday due to dangerous conditions persisting. (Graphic credit to Avalanche Canada)

"It's essential to maintain conservative terrain choices until conditions improve. Recent storms have deposited a significant amount of snow across Western Canada. This new snow sits on prominent weak layers established during drought conditions in February. In some areas, there is more than one weak layer," the warning stated.

As the active storm period passes, widespread natural avalanche activity will slow. However, human-triggered avalanches remain likely. The structure of the weak layers takes different forms across the forecast regions but is highly problematic and reactive in all. Remote triggering of avalanches on this layer will be possible.

"Recreationists should not underestimate the instability of these weak layers or their potential to produce large avalanches. Although the new snow is appealing, making conservative terrain choices will be an important strategy for all backcountry users over the next few days."

Avalanche Canada recommends sticking to lower-angle slopes, avoiding overhead hazards, and choosing smaller objectives that minimize the consequences of an avalanche.

"Backcountry users should always check the avalanche forecast. Everyone in a backcountry party needs the essential rescue gear—transceiver, probe, and shovel—and the training to use it."

According to British Columbia Mounties, the avalanche fatality over the weekend was identified as a 58-year-old man from Alberta. Revelstoke RCMP was notified of the backcountry avalanche in the area of Sale Mountain on Friday afternoon.

"[The man] was snow-biking with a group and was trapped in the avalanche. The man was located by group members and first aid assistance was provided immediately."

Revelstoke Search and Rescue were deployed to the scene and the man was transported via helicopter to Queen Victoria Hospital in Revelstoke. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Southwest of Airdrie, portions of Highway 742, within Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park have been shut down. According to provincial parks officials, the area encompassing Goat Creek Day Use to the turn-off for Grassi Lakes Day Use is closed due to avalanche control work. The closure is in effect until further notice. 

"Avalanche control work completed on East End of Rundle (EEOR) and Buller Control Zone. East End of Rundle remains closed, pending snow removal and the remainder of Highway 742 is open," the Alberta Parks website stated. 

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM

DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app. For breaking news, weather and contest alerts click here.