Avalanche Canada issues widespread warning for Southern B.C.

REVELSTOKE, B.C. — Avalanche Canada has issued a Special Public Avalanche Warning for a large area of Southern B.C.

The organization says the warning is in effect for the North and South Columbias, Cariboos, Sea to Sky, South Coast Inland, Kootenay-Boundary and Purcell ranges as well as Jasper and Glacier National Parks.

“Our main concern is a critical weak layer buried about 60 cm below the snow surface throughout these regions,” said James Floyer, Forecasting Program Supervisor for Avalanche Canada. “This layer is deep enough to produce large avalanches, yet shallow enough to be triggered by a human or machine. The forecast of warm temperatures and sun will contribute to this problem this weekend.”

Floyer goes on to say the weak layer is the greatest concern around treeline level. He says “many good riding options exist” at this elevation, but users are urged to stick to simpler terrain.