The Monashee mountains near Revelstoke, B.C. Avalanche Canada is warning of a high risk of snow slides. (Photo: Avalanche Canada)
High avalanche danger rating in Rocky Mountains
Mar 15, 2024 | 8:49 AM
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SPARWOOD, B.C. – Officials are asking people to stay out of the backcountry in the Rocky Mountains this weekend.
On Thursday, March 13, 2024, Avalanche Canada said the avalanche danger rating at all elevations in most regions of B.C. was “high”. This also applies to Waterton, Banff, and Jasper National Parks in Alberta.
They explained that the “significant change of weather” in recent weeks has lead to instabilities in the mountain snowpacks, which has created the potential for large and dangerous avalanches.
The organization recommends that those planning to head to B.C. or southern Alberta’s national parks choose activities and routes that do not require exposure to avalanche terrain. In particular, avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin, as well as moist or wet snow surfaces.
Avalanche Canada says there was already one incident on Wednesday, March 13 where a skier near Fernie was buried under a large avalanche. While that person was able to get out safely, not everyone would have the same outcome.
