Backcountry users warned of avalanche risk
ALBERTA – A concern about backcountry users, especially those without experience, has prompted an avalanche warning from Parks Canada.
A Special Public Avalanche Warning has been issued for Waterton Lakes National Park, as well as Kananaskis Country and the South Rockies and Lizard and Flathead regions. Also included is the southern part of the Purcells.
The warning is in effect from Friday, Feb. 10 to Monday, Feb. 13 and applies to recreational backcountry users. Parks Canada says the snowpack has doubled from last weekend’s storm, and expects more people to head out as the weather gets nicer.
The concern is that while natural avalanches have tapered off, an inexperienced backcountry user could potentially trigger a large one. Dense slabs of snow have been created by strong winds, atop a weak base.