Avalanche risk is increasing with warmer weather this week.
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March 17, 2016 - 7:08 AM
REVELSTOKE - As snowpacks become more unstable with the impending spring, people are being warned of the risk of avalanche while crews continue to undertake avalanche control along highway corridors.
Work is expected to take place from Rogers Pass Summit to the east boundary of Glacier National Park today, March 17. Avalanche control will close the park for one hour periods between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Avalanche Canada is forecasting moderate to considerable risk of avalanches for most Interior ranges today, though the risk in Glacier National Park is expected to be low at the below treeline level.
Forecasters note deep storm slabs are becoming even more unstable with sun exposure this week.
The avalanche office also points to the number of deaths due to avalanche this year, 13 as of March 14, and warns backcountry users to be careful.
A release from Avalanche Canada notes March is typically the worst month for avalanche fatalities, and with four people killed within 48 hours earlier this week, backcountry users should exercise caution.
“If you’re heading into the backcountry this weekend, keep your guard up. The danger ratings will vary between considerable and high,” the release says. “If you trigger an avalanche over the next few days, it's probably going to be big.”
To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infonews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2016