Avalanche Canada has issued a warning for recreational backcountry users from Friday, January 22nd to Monday January 25th as conditions are high in many areas.
The warning applies to the northwest coast and south coast inland, as well as the central interior. Glacier National Park has also issued a public warning.
Snow storms across the province have buried a weak layer that is particularly prevalent at lower elevations. However, due to the amount of new snow, all elevation bands are potentially hazardous, explains James Floyer, Avalanche Canada’s Forecasting Program Supervisor.
Photo Credit: n.overwater/Avalanche Canada
“We’ve had a relatively stable snowpack up to this point but things have changed now,” said Floyer. “We urge all recreational backcountry users to recognize this shift and to exercise more caution. Staying safe in the backcountry this weekend requires selecting simple, low-angled terrain, even when you’re at lower elevations below treeline.”
In the Kootenay Boundary area conditions are favourable for an avalanche a warm, wet, and windy weather has moved into the area recently. Several explosive and human-triggered slides have occurred in the backcountry, which have varied in size. Continued moderate snowfall and strong ridgetop winds are expected to form new storm slabs at all elevations on Friday.
In the North Columbia region, conditions above the treeline are favourable for an avalanche as snow and wind will make a touchy weak layer vulnerable. Friday brings another 10-20 cm snow, moderate to strong SW winds and freezing levels around 1300 m. Through the weekend, expect mainly light winds, cool temperatures, cloudy skies and a few flurries.
