Special Public Avalanche Warning for Backcountry Recreationists in Sea-to-Sky and Northern Interior of BC

Recreational users urged to exercise caution and restraint.

Avalanche Canada is issuing a special public avalanche warning for the Sea to Sky region including areas adjacent to but outside the ski area boundary of Whistler-Blackcomb, the North Columbia, Cariboos and North Rockies regions. This warning applies to recreational backcountry users and is in effect from March 24 to March 29.

A winter of unusual weather has created a complex and unpredictable snowpack, explains Avalanche Canada Public Avalanche Warning Service Manager Karl Klassen. “Avalanches are being triggered both in the newer, surface snow and in deeper layers that formed earlier in the winter,” said Klassen. “This challenging scenario is resulting in numerous close calls and led to two fatalities this past weekend.”

These conditions are expected to continue for some time and Avalanche Canada recommends backcountry users stay on simple, low-angle terrain; avoid large, steep slopes; minimize exposure to overhead hazard; avoid travelling where other users are on slopes above; and re-group in safe zones away from avalanche run-outs until conditions improve. If you do not have the training or experience to assess avalanche terrain and local conditions, it’s a good idea to recreate where avalanche risk is professionally managed.

All backcountry users must be equipped with essential avalanche safety equipment. Everyone in the party needs an avalanche transceiver, a probe and a shovel every day. It’s equally important that everyone has avalanche training and has practiced using this equipment. If an avalanche occurs, the rescue is up to you. There is no time to go for help.

For the avalanche forecast, check the front page of our website. For further thoughts on conditions, refer to the Forecaster Blog at http://www.avalanche.ca/blogs.