Avalanche Canada, in partnership with Parks Canada and Alberta's Kananaskis Country issued a Special Public Avalanche Warning for backcountry users on February 29th.
Originally, the warning was in place until Monday, March 4th, but on March 7th, they extended that warning to remain in effect until Sunday, March 10th.
This warning applies to Banff, Yoho and Kootenay Parks, as well as Alberta's Kananaskis Country
The weak layers of snow that was established in February is now buried between 40 and 100 cm of new snow.
Now that the recent storms have passed, the forecast for the Rockies is showing clear skies and warmer temperatures, which has avalanche forecasters concerned.
"We know backcountry users in this region will be eager to enjoy the new snow from the recent storms, especially under clear skies and sunshine. But the persistent weak layers that we’ve been tracking through February remain very active and easy to trigger. Any avalanche triggered on those weak layers will be large enough to injure and could even kill a person," explained Avalanche Canada’s Forecast Program Supervisor Ryan Buhler in a media release on March 7th.
They are reminding people to continue making cautious decisions this weekend, stick to lower angled slopes, avoid areas exposed to overhead terrain, and don't drop your guard, even though you see blue skies.
It is also advised for all backcountry users to carry and know how to use essential rescue gear, including a transceiver, probe, and shovel.
Even though this warning no longer is in effect for the remainder of the Avalanche Canada's regions, people are still urged to use caution in those areas.
Backcountry users can stay updated on avalanche risks at www.avalanche.ca.
To see the map of the SPAW region, press here.
Mon, Apr 29, 6:30 PM
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