File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Aaron Schulze

Avalanche Warning

Special public avalanche warning blankets most of B.C.’s Southern Interior

Feb 29, 2024 | 9:45 AM

KAMLOOPS — A special public avalanche warning was issued for most of B.C.’s Southern Interior Thursday (Feb. 29) and will last throughout the weekend.

Avalanche Canada says new snowfall brought on by recent storms that swept through B.C. is sitting on weak layers created during drought conditions in February.

“The structure of the weak layers takes different forms across our forecast regions, but is highly problematic and reactive in all,” Avalanche Canada states. “Remote triggering of avalanches on this layer will be possible. Recreationists should not underestimate the instability of these weak layers or their potential to produce large avalanches.”

Image credit: Avalanche Canada

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The forecast notes widespread natural avalanche activity will slow as the storms pass but human-triggered avalanches remain likely.

“We have got all that snow stacking up on that weak layer, lots of very concerning avalanche activity on that layer over the past few days. Remotely triggered avalanches, human triggered avalanches, sympathetic avalanches triggering other avalanches. And the new storm snow has made those avalanches so much more reactive and larger,” said Avalanche Canada forecaster Tyson Rettie.

In the Thompson region, Rettie noted there is danger on both sides of Kamloops.

“If you are headed up into the North Thompson area, that definitely one of our very concerning areas, they have had quite a bit of new snow. That crust I’ve talked about is down over a metre in some areas there,” added Rettie. “So any avalanches releasing on that crust will be quite large. Like wise with storm-slab avalanches will be very large.”

To the south and the Coquihalla is no better ahead.

“This has been one of the largest storms that area has seen this winter, and that crust is very prominent and concerning there as well. pretty wide spread concern,” said Rettie.

While the danger is high, Rettie noted backcountry users can still safely enjoy the snow this weekend.

“Stay out of anything steeper than 25 degrees and with the remote trigger component to this, you need to know what’s around you. Your presence on lower angle terrain could trigger steeper slopes around you that could run into low angle terrain. So, no steep slopes above you, that type of thing,” stated Rettie.

Backcountry users are asked to stay on lower-angle slopes, check the avalanche forecast before they depart and pack essential rescue gear such as a transceiver, probe and shovel.