By Ashley Legassic

Warmer temperatures impacting avalanche risk in BC Interior

Dec 18, 2018 | 4:36 PM

KAMLOOPS — A forecaster with Avalanche Canada is warning outdoor enthusiasts to take caution if venturing into the mountains this week.

The North Columbia region — where Kamloops is located — has an avalanche danger rating of considerable right now, and James Floyer with Avalanche Canada says warmer temperatures are contributing to that.

“For Kamloops residents… in those areas, I anticipate that the avalanche danger will linger a little bit more because we do have some of these buried weak layers (in the snow),” Floyer says. “Even if the snow does start to subside… those buried weak layers will remain active and there is concern there of still needing to select the more simple terrain. It doesn’t mean that you can’t have a good time on it — actually there’s a lot of great riding and skiing and sledding available in simple terrain — but it does keep you less exposed from major avalanche pads and that’s the key right now.”

He says warm storms that have been making their way across BC as of late usually give a more dramatic rise to the avalanche danger.

“We’re seeing that with this storm, the storm that’s expected on Thursday, also looks like a warm storm as well, so like I said we will see these spikes of avalanche danger through the storm, but even after the storm there is concern that that avalanche danger will linger for a period afterwards.”

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Floyer says the safest bet if you do want to experience the snow is to stick to simpler terrain and be prepared with equipment.

“It becomes really important for people thinking about going into the backcountry — check the avalanche forecast, and make sure you set your expectations and right now it’s not a time to really go after the steep and aggressive lines, it’s time to think about staying in safe terrain, lower-angled terrain, forested if you’re a skier and you’re able to ride safely in the forest. Those are the kinds of decisions that are going to keep you safe right now.”

For the latest on avalanche danger ratings, go here.