(Image Credit: CFJC News)

By Sydney Chisholm

AVALANCHE RISKS

Increased avalanche risk in mountain ranges around Kamloops

Jan 13, 2023 | 4:11 PM

KAMLOOPS – It’s unseasonably moderate in the Tournament Capital, but with this weekend’s mild temperatures, the risk of an avalanche is much higher in areas northeast of town.

“This last atmospheric river that made contact to the coast, it brought lots of warm air for the Interior, including the Kamloops area,” Bobby Sekhon, an Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist, explained. “We see temperatures get quite high — highs forecast near +9. That’s quite a bit above average for this time of year “

Avalanche Canada has reported very dangerous conditions for the North and South Columbias for Friday (Jan. 13) and warns the weather will also increase the chance of slides due to a multi-layered, weak and unstable snowpack.

“It does make for some challenging conditions – avalanche conditions. If you know you’re travelling into the backcountry and such, definitely please take caution and consult the Avalanche Canada forecast for that. In general, in and around town it’s going to be warmer than you’re used to,” Sekhon said.

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Avalanche Canada is forecasting the high risk of an avalanche in the Columbias to go down to considerable risk for Saturday and Sunday.

For up-to-date avalanche conditions, click here.