Heightened risk of avalanches in BC’s backcountry, public warning issued

B.C.’s avalanche forecasters have issued a special warning directed at recreational backcountry users.

Avalanche Canada has issued a special public avalanche warning across a large swath of B.C., including the North Rockies, Cariboos, North Columbia, South Columbia, Kootenay-Boundary, Purcells, South Rockies, Lizard and Flathead, along with South Coast Inland regions.

Recent snowfalls, combined with wind and warm temperatures, are putting pressures on what forecasters call a “fragile snowpack.”

People were said to be triggering slides even as they were approaching the slopes.

The wild swings in weather have reportedly laid down a combination of smooth crust over top of persistent weak layers in the snowpack.

Avalanche Canada is reminding those who are heading out to go prepared with the proper emergency equipment.

Agencies/Canadajournal