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By rdnewsNOW staff

don't become complacent

Public Avalanche Warning issued for central Rockies

Mar 20, 2025 | 6:07 PM

A special public avalanche warning has been issued for the central Rockies.

Avalanche Canada, in partnership with Alberta Parks, the Government of British Columbia, and Parks Canada, are warning backcountry users to be very wary.

The warning applies to Banff, Yoho, Kootenay and Jasper National Parks, as well as areas immediately adjacent to those parks. It will remain in place through at least March 24.

“While natural avalanche activity is beginning to taper off, the snowpack remains primed for human-triggering,” says Stephen Holeczi, Visitor Safety Specialist at Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks.

“This is an unstable and highly volatile situation. Weak layers are buried under up to 90 cm of storm snow, and more snow expected by the weekend will add to slabs over those weak layers. The complex snowpack in the central Rockies continues to demand caution, conservative decision-making, and careful terrain choices.”

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According to Avalanche Canada

“Recent storm snow overlies a weak snowpack structure and has produced numerous very large avalanches over the last two weeks.

“Avalanches triggered on this layer have propagated widely, even through forested areas, and may involve the entire depth of the snowpack. There have been several serious avalanche incidents in this time, including two fatal incidents, and the snowpack is dangerous and unpredictable. Avalanches may also be triggered remotely, meaning they could be initiated from a distance. Warming, sun, and stormy weather will all increase the likelihood of triggering an avalanche.”

It’s key, the organization added, that backcountry users do not become complacent, even as natural avalanche activity declines.

Choose low-angle (less than 30 degrees) terrain without overhead hazard or terrain traps, and avoid sun-exposed slopes during warm/sunny conditions, they advised.

“With a special public avalanche warning in effect for Kananaskis Country, we want to make sure anyone heading to the mountains exercise extreme caution,” said Todd Loewen, Alberta Minister of Forestry and Parks.

“All backcountry users should educate themselves on avalanche terrain, avalanche safety equipment and companion rescue, and stay up to date on advisories and warnings in the area. Taking the time to fully prepare yourself and avoid dangerous avalanche conditions will help keep you and those around you safe.”

Users should also always check out avalanche.ca for the latest avalanche forecast.

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