Canadian Avalanche Centre issued a special public warning
By Nelson Daily Staff
The Canadian Avalanche Centre issued a special public warning for all but two B.C. Mountain ranges until Wednesday (February 26).
“The new snow is sitting on one of the worst weak layers we’ve seen in a few years,” said Karl Klassen, manager of the CAC’s public avalanche warning service.
“That weakness if currently anywhere between one and two metres deep so when it’s triggered, the resulting avalanches are very large.”
Recent dumps of snow in most areas of the province during the past week are heavy and sitting on a layer of weak snow, making for extremely dangerous conditions.
However, with backcountry enthusiasts heading out into the BC wilderness people will not realize the dangers until its too late.
“There’s a lot of pent-up demand for powder after the dry spell but this weak layer is going to be a problem for the foreseeable future,” says Klassen.
“Staying safe will require patience and discipline as long as the layer is in play.”
The CAC says everyone venturing out into the backcountry should be prepared, carrying an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel and be well practiced with the knowledge of rescue skills.
With a weather forecast calling for clearing skies, are being advised to be very conservative in their terrain choices.
For more information check out forecasts and blogs at the CAC or check out the full avalanche warning.
