A special public avalanche warning is in effect for recreational backcountry users across most of Alberta’s and British Columbia’s forecast regions.
This special warning will last until the end of Monday.
Avalanche Canada issued the notice Thursday in partnership with Parks Canada, Kananaskis Country and the Province of British Columbia.
Recent storms have deposited a significant amount of snow across Western Canada, with this new snow now sitting on prominent weak layers established in early February.
Even when the storms abate and the natural avalanche activity has slowed, human-triggered avalanches will remain likely.
“We’ve been tracking these weak layers closely over this past month,” said Avalanche Canada Forecaster Tyson Rettie in a statement.
“While their structure has different forms across different regions, the result is the same—highly problematic layers that remain reactive to human triggering.”
“This has been the biggest storm of the season, and we know backcountry users are eager to enjoy the snow,” Rettie added. “But it’s vital to not underestimate the instability of these weak layers. Any avalanche triggered on them could be deadly.”
The avalanche risk is considered “very dangerous” for Jasper National Park with a rating of four (high) out of five, as of Thursday morning.
Environment Canada forecasts heavy snow for Jasper changing to periods of light snow Thursday afternoon.
This will amount to five to 10 centimetres, except for 15 centimetres over sections of the Icefields Parkway.
The Icefields Parkway has been closed from Athabasca Falls to Saskatchewan River Crossing and is expected to reopen around 5 p.m. Friday once avalanche control work is completed.
Backcountry users are advised to make cautious terrain choices over the next few days.
They can do this by sticking to lower-angle slopes and choosing smaller objectives that minimize the potential consequences of an avalanche.
“Given the unpredictability of avalanches, and their devastating potential consequences, we’re urging everyone to stay safe by exercising caution and making informed decisions when planning a trip in the backcountry,” said Bowinn Ma, BC’s Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, in a statement.
“Please follow the guidance of Avalanche Canada during this time of heightened risk.”
Check 511 Alberta for up-to-date road conditions. Backcountry users should check the avalanche forecast on Avalanche Canada’s website.