A special avalanche warning has come into effect for recreational users of backcountry and front-country avalanche terrain.

Popular mountain destinations for Cochrane outdoor enthusiasts are among those impacted by the warning that could potentially stay in effect through the holiday season.

The warning extends to Kananaskis Country, Banff-Yoho-Kootenay National Parks, South Rockies, Purcells, Waterton Lakes National Park and Lizard Range-Flathead.

It has also been issued for Sea-to-Sky and the South Coast Inland Range on B.C.'s west coast.

The storm that blew through Western Canada over the past few days dropped a significant amount of snow, which is now sitting precariously on that weak layer. During the storm, many avalanches on that weak layer ran to historic runouts.

“The danger ratings are going down across the map because naturally running avalanches have slowed down or stopped,” explains Ilya Storm, forecast program supervisor for Avalanche Canada. “However, now many slopes are primed for human-triggered avalanches."

"Distinguishing between slopes that have already slid and those that are the tipping point will be very difficult," he continues. "This, combined with clearing weather during a holiday week, has us very concerned for backcountry users.”

Everyone in a backcountry party needs the essential rescue gear—transceiver, probe and shovel—and the knowledge to use it. Ensure your party re-groups well away from avalanche slopes, including overhead hazards such as cornices.

Storm said this might also be the right time to call in an expert backcountry guide for your trip.

Regularly updated regional avalanche forecasts are available HERE.

 

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*Story by Cochrane Now