Avalanche risk a concern as 70+ cm of snow blankets Rocky Mountains

Much to the delight of powder hunters, a snowstorm over the weekend dumped up to 100 centimetres of fresh powder on to parts of British Columbia and Alberta, just in time for the holidays.

Unfortunately, the thick and fluffy layer of new snow means a higher risk of avalanches in the Rocky Mountains. Crews have been doing avalanche safety control since Friday but experts say it’ll take several days for the snowpack to gain strength.

Unofficial snowfall totals from Friday morning to Sunday morning as recorded by Environment Canada and volunteer weather stations:

• 103 cm in Allison Pass, B.C.
• 97 cm in Merritt, B.C.
• 79 cm in Lake Louise, Alta.
• 75 cm in Kananaskis Valley, Alta.
• 64 cm* in Banff, Alta.
• 40 cm* in Canmore, Alta.

*recorded from Friday morning to Saturday afternoon; official weekend totals expected to be higher

Essential gear

Avalanche Canada‘s list of essential gear includes an avalanche transceiver, 320 cm long probe, shovel and transceiver interference.

If you’re heading into the backcountry, it also recommends carrying avalanche airbag packs, and because cell service may not be available, an emergency communication device like a satellite messenger or satellite phone.

1:59 Calgary man runs from avalanche in Rockies

Trip planning and preparing

Doug Latimer, a veteran ski guide and alpine expert, recommends taking time to plan and prepare before heading into the mountains.

Latimer recently released an interactive e-book, Avalanche: The Guide’s Guide to Safer Travel in the Mountains, to help improve avalanche safety.

Here are a few of the simple steps Latimer suggests:

1. Check the avalanche hazard and weather forecast before heading out
2. Use the avalanche terrain exposure scale to determine appropriate trips based on the avalanche hazard
3. Put together a basic outline of the trip: number of participants, expected time of return and description of the vehicle at the trailhead
4. Send your trip plan to a friend or family member

A simplified trip planning excerpt from the e-book — which includes checklists for personal and group travel, information on route planning and additional resources — is available here.

4:04 Holiday snow creating hazardous conditions for Alberta, BC backcountry users

What to do in an avalanche

Avalanche Canada provides a list of avalanche safety courses that are offered by organizations like the Alpine Club of Canada.

Experts encourage outdoor enthusiasts to be aware of dangers and know what to do in the case of an avalanche.

A few suggestions by Public Safety Canada on what to do if you become caught in an avalanche:

• Grab onto something solid like a tree or rock
• Keep mouth closed and teeth clenched
• If swept away in snow, try swimming towards the surface
• Use arm to make an air pocket in front of your face
• Push other arm towards the surface
• Relax your breathing

0:57 Dramatic video shows skiers digging man out of California avalanche with bare hands

• Dramatic video shows skiers digging man out of California avalanche with bare hands
• Dash cam video shows Colorado man getting engulfed by oncoming avalanche
• Video captures moment avalanche hits Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana
• Controlled explosions trigger avalanches in Swiss Alps
• Avalanche control work carried out amid British Columbia snowfall warnings

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The National Geographic reports that 93 per cent of avalanche victims survive if dug out within 15 minutes.

Unfortunately, survival rates drop quickly after that, with only 20 to 30 per cent of victims found alive after 45 minutes and a very small number of people survive if buried for two hours.

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