FILE PHOTO
Image Credit: Avalanche Canada via Facebook
February 09, 2017 - 11:33 AM
REVELSTOKE - Anyone planning to rip through snowy terrain in the backcountry over the holiday weekend should be aware of the special warning issued by Avalanche Canada.
The warning was issued today, Feb. 9, and applies to anyone planning to travel or play in the backcountry this Family Day weekend.
The recent blast of winter is responsible for doubling the current snowpack, according to Avalanche Canada. The forecast is calling for more snow, wind and rising temperatures over the next few days.
The special public avalanche warning applies to Kananaskis Country and Waterton Lakes National Park, the South Rockies and the Lizard and Flathead regions. The southern part of the Purcells region and the eastern part of the Kootenay Boundary region are also included in the warning.
“Clearing skies and good riding conditions after a long drought are expected to entice people into the mountains,” James Floyer with Avalanche Canada says in a media release. “While natural avalanches are tapering off, we’re concerned that human triggering of large avalanches remains possible throughout the weekend.”
Recreational backcountry users without proper training or who lack experience with avalanches are advised to avoid avalanche terrain, the warning states. An avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel are necessary survival tools every backcountry user must carry.
While this warning applies to certain regions listed, Avalanche Canada says anyone planning to spend time in the backcountry in B.C. or Alberta should exercise caution and check conditions before leaving home.
For the most up to date conditions, check Avalanche Canada.
A map of the area affected by the avalanche warning.
Image Credit: Avalanche Canada
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