Image Credit: Adam Donnelly / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

SHIFTING SNOW

KSAR, Avalanche Canada recommending caution as warmer temps bring riskier conditions

Jan 22, 2024 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — A recent cold snap has ended in the Kamloops area and Kamloops Search and Rescue (KSAR) is urging people to be careful in the melting conditions.

“Things change real quick when the weather is getting really mild,” says KSAR President Diana Gerlof. “Especially in avalanche terrain, people have got to be aware that it can be very dangerous.”

Some of KSAR’s staple advice includes wearing proper clothing and footwear, packing safety gear, water and food, and checking weather conditions before going out.

“Dress in layers — I think most people know that,” notes Gerlof. “But also be prepared to stay overnight if you have to. Because you never know what’s going to happen. You could get hurt.”

According to Gerlof, typical winter call-outs for rescue teams are for people whose vehicles got stuck in the snow or rescue calls for incidents related to severe weather conditions.

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“Be prepared, leave a trip plan with somebody — so tell them where you’re going and what time you think you’ll be back. And take somebody, don’t go alone.”

Amid the warmer temperatures, Avalanche Canada recently increased the risk rating for several backcountry and high elevation areas, to ‘moderate’ and ‘considerable.’

“In the Columbia region — so around Revelstoke, Sicamous – that area, we’re going to have considerable hazard in the alpine treeline and even heightened conditions below the treeline,” explains Avalanche Canada forecaster Drew Nylen. “And separate from that in the Merritt area, we’ll have moderate avalanche conditions.”

Nylen goes on to explain that warming temperatures paired with new precipitation can cause an increase in avalanche risk in the short term. Avalanche Canada is keeping a close eye on how this most recent layer of snowfall is going to play out in the next couple of days.

“Before you head out into the back country, anytime we’re really looking for people to have their avalanche training course — that’s the Avalanche Canada training courses. We’re hoping people have their transceiver, shovel and probe, which are kind of their essential equipment to get out into the backcountry. And then to check the forecast at Avalanche.ca.” says Nylen, “Those are kind of the three pillars of what you need to do before you head out there.”

Even with best laid plans, things can go south. But both Avalanche Canada and Kamloops Search and Rescue reiterate that it is important to check the weather and terrain conditions beforehand, so you can make an informed decision about your activity.

“Avalanche Canada always has really good information, but also BC Adventure Smart is a really good website to go and check some safety tips out before you go,” adds Gerlof.