Special public avalanche warning in effect

Avalanche Canada has issued a special avalanche warning for many parts of Alberta and British Columbia. The warning is in effect until at least Monday.

According to the communique, recent storms have deposited a significant amount of snow across Western Canada.

Avalanche Canada has issued a special avalanche warning for many parts of Alberta and British Columbia. The warning is in effect until at least Monday. (Graphic Credit to Avalanche 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. As the active storm period passes, widespread natural avalanche activity will slow. However, human-triggered avalanches remain likely."

Avalanche Canada added that the structure of the weak layers takes different forms across the forecast regions, but is highly problematic and reactive in all.

❗️ ATTENTION: Special Public Avalanche Warning is issued across most of BC’s and Alberta’s forecast regions. ⚠️ This warning is in effect and will apply through the end of Monday, March 4. For more information, please visit: https://t.co/SjQ7ISQa75 pic.twitter.com/7N3LUdAUkJ

— Banff National Park, Parks Canada (@BanffNP) March 1, 2024

"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.

A good way to do this is by 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.

Last weekend, Crowsnest Pass and Pincher Creek RCMP responded to an avalanche fatality between Carbondale and Castle Mountain Ski Resort. According to police, two adults and two children had been snowmobiling when an avalanche occurred.

"One of the males was able to escape with both children, but the second male was buried in the snow."

The lone fatality was later identified as a 46-year-old man from Magrath, Alberta. 

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