Avalanche warnings for most of B.C.’s mountain regions: CAC

Dry weather and a poor snowpack have the Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) issuing a warning to backcountry users in all regions, except the North Shore Mountains and Yukon.

The CAC’s warning is in effect immediately and extends to the end of day on February 26.

The problem with the snowpack occurred due to the long dry spell the province had recently, says Karl Klassen, manager of the CAC’s Public Avalanche Warning Service.

“Now the new snow is sitting on one of the worst weak layers we’ve seen in a few years. That weakness is currently anywhere between one and two metres deep so when it’s triggered, the resulting avalanches are very large.”

The problem layer is widespread and with the weather forecast calling for clear skies, the CAC is urging recreational backcountry users to be very conservative in their terrain choices.

“There’s a lot of pent-up demand for powder after that dry spell but this weak layer is going to be a problem for the foreseeable future,” says Klassen. “Staying safe will require patience and discipline as long as this layer is in play.”

According to the CAC, the weak layer will likely persist after the warning expires and recreationists are urged to stay cautious in avalanche terrain.