Avalanche Canada is issuing a special public avalanche warning for backcountry users for the upcoming long weekend.
The warning applies to Banff, Yoho, Kootenay and Jasper national parks, Kananaskis Country, and the Purcell and North Rockies regions from March 25-28.
“The main issue is a deeply buried weak layer that has recently produced large human-triggered and natural avalanches. While not obvious to the eye, large human triggered avalanches are possible, as are naturally occurring avalanches with triggers such as cornices or daytime warming,” reads a bulletin from Avalanche Canada.
Avalanche Canada warns that people who are unfamiliar with the backcountry and do not have any training in avalanche safety should avoid dangerous terrain this weekend. For those with experience and training, be extremely cautious in areas with thin snowpack and limit your exposure by avoiding large slopes.
“Avalanches can be initiated from a distance and can propagate across entire mountain features,” reads the bulletin. “It’s also very important to avoid slopes threatened by cornices. Pay particular attention to where your group stops to group up and ride in avalanche terrain one at a time.”
Avalanche Canada advises backcountry parties to have an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel. Backcountry users should also take a two-day Avalanche Skills Training 1 course as the minimum in training for working or recreating in avalanche terrain.
For current conditions, visit www.avalanche.ca.