<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0">
    <channel>
        <title><![CDATA[Safety Talk]]></title>
        <description>RSS of Safety Talk</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:38:13 -0700</pubDate>
        <link>https://www.backcountryskiingcanada.com</link>
                        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Avalanche Conditions Report #7 - VIDEO]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Welcome to Episode 7 of the 2025/2026 Avalanche Conditions Report, brought to you by Whitewater Mountain Resort, Backcountry Skiing Canada, &amp;amp; State of the Snowpack.

Avalanche Canada Danger Rating:
Alpine: Moderate
Treeline: Moderate
Below Treeline: Low

Snowpack:
There has been no significant avalanche activity in the Whitewater area over the past few days. Warming on March 6 and 7, followed by rain to all elevations, created a melt-freeze crust.

This crust is currently preventing lower persistent weaknesses from being triggered, but it is thinner and weaker at high treeline and alpine elevations, where deeper persistent weak layers may still be triggerable. Don&amp;rsquo;t trust the crust.

Forecast:
A significant storm is expected tonight, bringing 15&amp;ndash;25cm of new snow, strong to extreme southwest winds, and mild temperatures with freezing levels up to 1600m.
Expect hazard to increase as new storm slabs form at all elevations and on all aspects.
&amp;nbsp;





We&amp;#39;ll be back with Episode 8, and be sure to always check Avalanche Canada before heading into the backcountry!]]></description>
            <pubDate>2026-03-11 20:11:06</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2026-3-11</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2026-3-11</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Rocky Talkie Opens 2026 Search &amp; Rescue Award with $150,000 in Grant Funding]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[DENVER, CO &amp;mdash; For those of us who spend our winters deep in the Selkirks or exploring the Coast Mountains, we know that volunteer Search and Rescue (SAR) teams are the unsung heroes of the backcountry. Today, Rocky Talkie announced they are stepping up their support for these life-saving organizations by opening applications for the 2026 Search &amp;amp; Rescue (SAR) Award, featuring a massive $150,000 in grant funding.

Now entering its seventh year, the program provides direct financial assistance to non-profit, volunteer-led teams across both the United States and Canada.



Supporting the Teams That Support Us

The funding for these grants is fueled by Rocky Talkie&amp;#39;s ongoing pledge to donate $2 from every radio sold. To date, the program has funneled over $260,000 to 27 different volunteer teams, helping them secure essential gear that often falls outside of tight government budgets.


&amp;quot;Rocky Talkie was born from our love of the outdoors. As members of that community, we have made it part of our mission to give back to the volunteer teams that keep us safe,&amp;quot; said co-founder Alex Page.


Where the Money Goes

The grants aren&amp;#39;t just for show; they provide the &amp;quot;bread and butter&amp;quot; equipment and training that SAR teams need to execute high-stakes rescues. Past funding has been utilized for:


	
	Technical rescue equipment and rope systems.
	
	
	Avalanche and medical training for volunteer members.
	
	
	Communication tools and rigging gear.
	


How to Apply

If you are a member of a volunteer SAR team in Canada or the U.S., the window to apply is short. Applications are open from March 1&amp;ndash;31, 2026.

Rocky Talkie continues to be a favourite in the backcountry for their rugged, &amp;quot;glove-friendly&amp;quot; radio designs, and this initiative further solidifies their commitment to mountain safety.

Learn more and apply today at: rockytalkie.com/pages/sar-awards
]]></description>
            <pubDate>2026-03-09 07:34:50</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/rocky-talkie-2026-sar-awards-grant</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/rocky-talkie-2026-sar-awards-grant</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Avalanche Conditions Report #6 - VIDEO]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Welcome to Episode 6 of the 2025/2026 Avalanche Conditions Report, brought to you by Whitewater Mountain Resort, Backcountry Skiing Canada, &amp;amp; State Of The Snowpack.

Avalanche Canada Danger Rating:
Alpine: Considerable
Treeline: Considerable
Below Treeline: Considerable

Snowpack:
Over the past two weeks, skier and rider triggered avalanches have been failing on a Persistent Weak Layer from January 28, consisting of surface hoar facets sitting on a melt freeze crust.
This layer had previously been relatively quiet, but increased loading and slab density have made it much more reactive.
Avalanches failing on this layer have ranged from size 1 to 3, with remote triggers reported in the Whitewater backcountry.
Recent new snow and wind have created additional storm and wind slab problems. If triggered, these slabs may step down to deeper instabilities in the snowpack, producing larger avalanches.
&amp;nbsp;





Forecast:
Incoming weather is expected to bring 15 to 20 cm of new snow, accompanied by moderate to strong southwest winds.
This will continue to build slab problems and increase the load on the underlying persistent weak layers.

We&amp;#39;ll be back with Episode 7, and be sure to always check Avalanche Canada before heading into the backcountry!]]></description>
            <pubDate>2026-02-26 16:26:15</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2026-2-26</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2026-2-26</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Avalanche Conditions Report #5 - VIDEO]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Welcome to Episode 5 of the 2025/2026 Avalanche Conditions Report, brought to you by Whitewater Mountain Resort.

Avalanche Canada Danger Rating:
Alpine: Considerable
Treeline: Considerable
Below Treeline: Considerable
Hazard is forecasted to decrease to Moderate at all elevations by Friday.

Snowpack:
We are currently managing a storm slab problem failing on a surface hoar layer buried on February 14.
A persistent slab problem from January 28 remains a key concern. This layer is now 50-70cm below the surface and has become more reactive with recent loading after being relatively quiet in previous weeks.

Natural, rider-triggered, and controlled avalanches ranging from size 1-3 have been observed in the surrounding Whitewater backcountry this past week, including a suspected skier-remote triggered size 3 failing on the January 28 surface hoar layer.

Forecast:
Avalanche hazard is in a state of change with active deeper layers.
Watch for signs of instability in elevated hazard, including whumping, shooting cracks, or recent avalanche activity.
&amp;nbsp;





We&amp;#39;ll be back with Episode 6, and be sure to always check Avalanche Canada before heading into the backcountry!]]></description>
            <pubDate>2026-02-18 16:37:50</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2026-2-18</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2026-2-18</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Avalanche Conditions Report #4 - VIDEO]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Welcome to Episode 4 of the 2025/2026 Avalanche Conditions Report, brought to you by Whitewater Mountain Resort, Backcountry Skiing Canada, &amp;amp; State of the Snowpack.
&amp;nbsp;





Avalanche Canada Danger Rating:
Alpine: Considerable
Treeline: Considerable
Below Treeline: Moderate

Snowpack:
We have 30-60cm of snow on top of the surface hoar layer that was buried on January 28 and sitting on a melt-freeze crust.
Avalanches to size 1.5 have been triggered the past few days with light loads from skiers and riders. These are not showing wide propagation, but as temperatures warm, we are expecting the slab to settle, and the likelihood of larger avalanches increases.

Forecast:
A warming event is forecast over the next 3 days with very high freezing levels. This will significantly increase avalanche size and danger, so extra caution is recommended.
By the weekend,d we&amp;#39;re expecting another storm with much lower freezing levels, so snow is on its way!

We&amp;#39;ll be back with Episode 5, and be sure to always check Avalanche Canada before heading into the backcountry!]]></description>
            <pubDate>2026-02-03 16:01:04</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2026-2-03</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2026-2-03</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The 365-Day Safety Net: How RECCO is Evolving Beyond the Backcountry]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[For the Canadian backcountry community, the name RECCO&amp;reg; has long been synonymous with the &amp;quot;last resort&amp;quot; in avalanche rescue. We know it as the little silver strip in our ski pants&amp;mdash;a passive backup for when things go sideways in a slide. But a conversation with Ken Gallant, Team Canada&amp;rsquo;s RECCO Instructor, reveals a significant shift in how this technology is being used.



RECCO is no longer just a winter insurance policy; it has evolved into a year-round search and rescue (SAR) powerhouse designed to make outdoor enthusiasts &amp;quot;searchable&amp;quot; across all four seasons.

The Evolutionary Leap: The SAR Helicopter Detector
The biggest change in the RECCO ecosystem isn&amp;#39;t the reflector you wear&amp;mdash;it&amp;rsquo;s the detector used to find it. While the handheld &amp;quot;R9&amp;quot; units used by ski patrol are effective at short ranges in avalanche debris, the new RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector has completely redefined the search area. Looking like a large, red cylinder suspended from a helicopter&amp;rsquo;s belly, this sensor allows rescue teams to scan vast areas of complex terrain&amp;mdash;forests, mountain faces, and deep drainage basins&amp;mdash;at speeds of up to 100 km/h. It can cover 1 km&amp;sup2; in roughly six minutes.

&amp;quot;Be Searchable&amp;quot; 365 Days a Year

With the expansion of helicopter detectors across Canada (including hubs in BC, Alberta, and Newfoundland), the goal is to be &amp;quot;searchable&amp;quot; every time you head out. RECCO has moved far beyond the ski jacket and is now integrated into mountain bike helmets, hiking boots, and climbing harnesses from brands like POC, Scarpa, and Black Diamond.

Update Your Trip Plan

One of the most critical pieces of advice for the modern adventurer is to include your RECCO equipment in your Trip Plan. Explicitly stating: &amp;quot;I am carrying RECCO reflectors on my boots/helmet/pack&amp;quot; allows SAR managers to request a RECCO-equipped helicopter immediately, potentially saving hours or days of searching.

What if your gear doesn&amp;#39;t have RECCO?

You don&amp;#39;t need to buy a brand-new wardrobe to become searchable. If your gear lacks a built-in reflector, you can purchase stand-alone reflectors to attach to your existing equipment at the RECCO Online Shop or support local SAR by purchasing through the BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) Store.
]]></description>
            <pubDate>2026-01-19 08:28:17</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/recco-evolution-beyond-backcountry</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/recco-evolution-beyond-backcountry</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Avalanche Conditions Report #3 - VIDEO]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Welcome to Episode 3 of the 2025/2026 Avalanche Conditions Report, brought to you by Whitewater Mountain Resort, Backcountry Skiing Canada, &amp;amp; State Of The Snowpack.
&amp;nbsp;





Avalanche Canada Danger Rating:
Alpine: Moderate
Treeline: Moderate
Below Treeline: Low

Snowpack:
Following the rain event from three days ago, a large natural avalanche cycle occurred across the region, exemplified by the size 2.5 natural avalanche on Dog&amp;#39;s Leg Couloir on Ymir Peak.
With cooling temperatures post the rain event, a significant melt-freeze crust has formed on all aspects.
In the alpine, wind slabs remain a concern. The widespread crust will limit the transfer of low-density snow, but watch for slabs in areas where the crust is absent.

Forecast:&amp;nbsp;
Precipitation is expected to remain limited in the near term (pack sunscreen)! Despite cooling temperatures, watch for temperature inversions and the potential for wet loose avalanches, particularly on solar aspects.

We&amp;#39;ll be back with Episode 4, and be sure to always check Avalanche Canada before heading into the backcountry!]]></description>
            <pubDate>2026-01-15 16:29:12</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2026-1-15</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2026-1-15</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Kananaskis Winter Safety Day 2026]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Level Up Your Cold-Weather Knowledge: Why You Can&amp;rsquo;t Miss Kananaskis Winter Safety Day



As the snow begins to stack up in the Rockies, the excitement for the backcountry season is reaching a fever pitch. But before you transition from &amp;quot;dreaming of powder&amp;quot; to &amp;quot;dropping in,&amp;quot; there is one essential stop you need to make: Kananaskis Winter Safety Day

Hosted by the Friends of Kananaskis Country and Alberta Parks,&amp;nbsp; this event is a cornerstone for the local outdoor community. Whether you are a seasoned splitboarder or a first-time snowshoer, Winter Safety Day is designed to bridge the gap between having the gear and having the skills to use it.

Who Should Attend?

This event isn&amp;rsquo;t just for the pros&amp;mdash;it&amp;rsquo;s for everyone who calls the Kananaskis backcountry their winter playground:


	
	Backcountry Skiers and Splitboarders: Refresh your knowledge on terrain assessment and companion rescue.
	
	
	Families &amp;amp; Recreationalists: Learn the basics of staying warm and what to do if a fun day out takes an unexpected turn.
	
	
	The &amp;quot;Gear Curious&amp;quot;: If you&amp;rsquo;ve just bought your first beacon, probe, and shovel, this is the perfect place to meet experts who can show you the ropes.
	


Why You Need to Be There

Based on the success of previous years&amp;mdash;which featured presentations from Kananaskis Mountain Rescue and Avalanche Canada&amp;mdash;attendees can expect a deep dive into the &amp;quot;Big Three&amp;quot; of winter safety:


	
	Expert Insights: Last year featured sessions on everything from &amp;quot;The Psychology of Risk&amp;quot; to &amp;quot;Winter Survival Gear Essentials.&amp;quot; Hearing directly from the men and women of Search and Rescue (SAR) provides a perspective you simply can&amp;#39;t get from a textbook.
	
	
	Live Demonstrations: There is no substitute for seeing safety protocols in action. From beacon clinics to gear maintenance, these hands-on opportunities ensure you&amp;rsquo;re prepared when the stakes are high.
	
	
	Community Connection: Kananaskis Winter Safety Day is a gathering of like-minded enthusiasts. It&amp;rsquo;s a chance to find a new touring partner, chat with local gear experts, and support the organizations that keep our backcountry accessible and safe.
	

Don&amp;rsquo;t wait until you&amp;rsquo;re at the trailhead to realize you have questions. Stay tuned to the Friends of Kananaskis website for the full schedule of this year&amp;#39;s presentations and speakers.

Learn more and plan your visit at: kananaskis.org/winter-safety-day/
]]></description>
            <pubDate>2026-01-05 10:40:51</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Kananaskis-Winter-Safety-Day-2026</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Kananaskis-Winter-Safety-Day-2026</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Avalanche Conditions Report #2 - VIDEO]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Welcome to Episode 2 of the 2025/2026 Avalanche Conditions Report, brought to you by Whitewater Mountain Resort, Backcountry Skiing Canada, &amp;amp; State of the Snowpack.

Avalanche Canada Danger Rating:
Alpine: Considerable
Treeline: Moderate
Below Treeline: Low

Snowpack:
With almost one metre of storm snow over the past week, conditions have evolved from early season, and this snow has come in with favourable freezing levels and significant wind.
We&amp;#39;ve seen limited avalanche activity in the Whitewater area, with few natural avalanches and controlled avalanches up to size 1.5 with explosives.

Recent winds have formed wind slabs at treeline and above in exposed terrain and leeward features.

The snowpack is generally right side up with a number of rain crusts which have not been reacting in snowpack testing.

Forecast:&amp;nbsp;
Incoming storms through Christmas day could bring up to 30cm of new snow with winds and fluctuating freezing levels, so watch for new slab formation.
&amp;nbsp;





We&amp;#39;ll be back with Episode 3, and be sure to always check Avalanche Canada before heading into the backcountry!]]></description>
            <pubDate>2025-12-23 19:07:45</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2025-12-23</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2025-12-23</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Avalanche Conditions Report #1 - VIDEO]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Welcome to Episode 1 of the 2025/2026 Avalanche Conditions Report, brought to you by Whitewater Mountain Resort, Backcountry Skiing Canada, &amp;amp; @State Of The Snowpack.&amp;nbsp;

Avalanche Canada Danger Rating:
Alpine: Moderate
Treeline: Moderate
Below Treeline: Low

Snowpack:
Recent storm cycles have been highly variable, with warming temperatures and rising freezing levels. This has created multiple melt freeze rain crusts throughout the snowpack.

The most recent crusts formed on December 10 and 12. They are widespread at lower elevations and more limited in alpine terrain. These crust layers have acted as sliding surfaces for several recent avalanche cycles, including avalanches up to size 2.5 in the Whitewater area.

Heavy snowfall, strong winds, and periods of rain have added stress to weaker layers below.
In areas where the crust is not present, a December 1 surface hoar layer is buried up to 70cm deep and has reacted to light loads.
Be especially cautious on loaded slopes, particularly at higher elevations, where storm slabs may exist above these weak layers.

Forecast:&amp;nbsp;
More storms are incoming with slightly lower freezing levels! Remember, despite the recent storms, early season hazards including rocks, stumps, holes and open water persist, especially below 1800m, so please use extra caution!
&amp;nbsp;





We&amp;#39;ll be back with Episode 2, and be sure to always check Avalanch&amp;nbsp; Canada before heading into the backcountry!

&amp;nbsp;]]></description>
            <pubDate>2025-12-12 18:12:26</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2025-12-12</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2025-12-12</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Early Season Backcountry Skills Tune-Up at Mount Carlyle Lodge]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Kickstart Your Winter: Early Season Backcountry Skills Tune-Up at Mount Carlyle Lodge

Shake off the rust and get your head in the snow game for the 2025 season with a special deal available through Backcountry Skiing Canada. There are only 2 spots available at a 25% discount.

As the snow starts to stack up, the itch to get into the alpine becomes undeniable. But before you dive headfirst into the deep stuff, it&amp;rsquo;s crucial to make sure your skills, decision-making, and daily routines are as sharp as your edges.

Mount Carlyle Lodge is offering the perfect solution: an Early Season Backcountry Skills Tune-Up, running from December 16th &amp;ndash; 21st, 2025.


More Than Just a Course

This 6-day, heli-access program isn&amp;rsquo;t your standard, rigid AST 2 classroom environment. It is an immersive, mentor-style week led by two ACMG-certified guides designed to get you off to a safe, solid start for the season.

Whether you are a skier or splitboarder, this week is about refining the habits that keep you safe all winter. The curriculum is flexible and tailored to the group&amp;rsquo;s goals, focusing on everything from interpreting early-season snowpack layers to dialing in your companion rescue reflexes.

What You Will Learn &amp;amp; Practice

The goal is to establish a solid daily routine that you can carry with you on every future trip. During the week, you will focus on:


	
	Routine Mastery: Perfecting weather checks, bulletin interpretation, and trip planning.
	
	
	Rescue Refreshers: Best practices for real-world scenarios.
	
	
	Snowpack Study: analyzing the early season layers that will form the base for the rest of the winter.
	
	
	Group Dynamics: Managing groups, safe travel techniques, and terrain choices.
	
	
	Student-Led Days: You take the lead on decision-making with supportive guide mentorship.
	


The Lodge Experience

This trip balances education with the classic comforts of a fully outfitted backcountry lodge. Your days will be spent in the field with a mix of guided and student-led tours, while your evenings will feature fireside chats, informal presentations on avalanche topics, and time to relax.

Included in the Package:


	
	Helicopter Access: Flight in and out of the lodge.
	
	
	Accommodation: 5 nights at Mount Carlyle Lodge.
	
	
	Meals: All dinners provided, plus morning coffee and tea (Participants bring their own breakfast and lunch/snacks).
	
	
	Amenities: Sauna, hot bucket showers, bedding, and soaps.
	
	
	Guidance: 2 ACMG-certified guides delivering instruction and mentorship.
	


Who Should Attend?

This program is ideal for experienced backcountry skiers and splitboarders who want to refresh their avalanche skills and enjoy a safe warm-up to the season with professional guidance. If you are keen to sharpen your discipline and planning habits, this is the week for you.

Get Ready for December 2025

Don&amp;#39;t wait until the middle of winter to dial in your safety game. Secure your spot for this unique educational experience.

Ready to book?&amp;nbsp;Use this form&amp;nbsp;to reserve your spot with a 25% discount for December 16-21, 2025. CLICK HERE
]]></description>
            <pubDate>2025-12-09 05:52:47</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/early-season-backcountry-skills-tune-up-mount-carlyle</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/early-season-backcountry-skills-tune-up-mount-carlyle</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Your First Step to Backcountry Safety: AIARE Launches Free &#039;Avalanche Aware&#039; Online Course]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Great news for the entire backcountry community! Getting started with avalanche safety education just got significantly more accessible. The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), in collaboration with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) and the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC), has just launched Avalanche Aware, a brand new, completely free online educational program.



This course is designed to be the perfect first step for anyone new to venturing into the winter backcountry&amp;mdash;whether you&amp;#39;re on skis, a splitboard, snowshoes, or just out for a hike.

Closing the Education Gap

Avalanches are a serious risk for everyone who steps into snow-covered mountains. As more people discover the joy of the backcountry, the need for accessible, foundational education is more critical than ever.

&amp;quot;Avalanche Aware was created as a first step in avalanche education,&amp;quot; said Vickie Hormuth, executive director of AIARE. &amp;quot;Many people stepping into the backcountry for the first time don&amp;rsquo;t know where to begin or understand the importance of avalanche safety... Our goal is simple: to make essential avalanche knowledge available to everyone so all types of enthusiasts can explore the mountains safely and responsibly.&amp;rdquo;

What You&amp;#39;ll Learn in &amp;#39;Avalanche Aware&amp;#39;

This isn&amp;#39;t a dry, complex lecture. The program is a one-hour, self-paced online course that introduces the core concepts of avalanche awareness through engaging videos, insights from experts, and real-world examples.

The course is broken down into five key modules:


	
	Introduction to Avalanches
	
	
	Identifying Avalanche Terrain
	
	
	Recognizing Unstable Snow
	
	
	Managing Triggers
	
	
	Making a Plan to Continue Your Avalanche Education
	


Upon completion, you&amp;#39;ll have the basic knowledge to start reading your local avalanche forecast (like the essential daily reports from Avalanche Canada), recognize warning signs of unstable snow, and practice identifying where avalanches can happen.

A First Step, Not the Last

The creators are clear: this fantastic online tool is a supplement to, not a replacement for, crucial in-person field training (like an AST 1 or AIARE 1 course).

The program is designed to build a solid foundation and encourage users to take the next step in their education. &amp;quot;We&amp;rsquo;re excited... to bring avalanche safety basics to more people,&amp;quot; said Brian Lazar, deputy director of the CAIC. Scott Schell of NWAC agreed, calling it &amp;quot;an online supplement to point students toward.&amp;quot;

This collaboration represents a shared commitment to improving backcountry safety by creating a welcoming and accessible entry point into avalanche education.

Get Started for Free

This is an incredible, free resource for our community, especially for those just starting their backcountry journey or friends and family who need a primer. Take an hour, get avalanche aware, and take your first step toward safer winter adventures.

Learn more and sign up for the free course at: www.avalancheaware.com


]]></description>
            <pubDate>2025-10-29 07:41:40</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Your-First-Step-to-Backcountry-Safety-AIARE</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Your-First-Step-to-Backcountry-Safety-AIARE</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Avalanche Conditions Report #8 - VIDEO]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Welcome to the 8th and final episode of the 2024/25 Avalanche Conditions Report with Jason from Whitewater Ski Resort.
&amp;nbsp;





Avalanche Canada is currently calling the hazard moderate in the alpine and at treeline, and they&amp;#39;re calling it low below treeline, but this is about to change with a significant winter storm moving through.

We have a persistent slab problem from January 31. While it has not produced avalanches in our area over the past week, it is still on our radar and may become reactive again with the expected increased load. Strong southwesterly winds earlier in the week have redistributed snow and loaded certain features in exposed terrain, so watch for new slabs in lee features.

A significant storm will continue through to the weekend with moderate to strong southwest winds, so the hazard will likely climb to considerable or high at all elevations with a new storm slab sitting on a crust. Please be aware that conditions are changing.

Stay safe, continue to check Avalanche Canada for the forecast before heading into the backcountry throughout the spring, and we can&amp;#39;t wait to see you back here for some more backcountry updates next season!]]></description>
            <pubDate>2025-03-13 16:12:33</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-Mar-13-25</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-Mar-13-25</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Avalanche Conditions Report #7 - VIDEO]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Welcome to Episode 7 of the 2024/2025 Avalanche Conditions Report with Jason from Whitewater Ski Resort.
&amp;nbsp;





We&amp;#39;ve gone from winter to spring and back to winter again! Currently, Avalanche Canada is rating the hazard as moderate in the alpine, at treeline, and below treeline.

After a weekend of warm temperatures and high freezing levels, melt-freeze crusts are now present on all aspects, except for north-facing slopes above 2100m. These crusts are thicker and more supportive on solar aspects but become breakable and less dense on north facing aspects.

The persistent weak layer from January 31 &amp;mdash; a mix of surface hoar, facets, and a melt-freeze crust &amp;mdash; sits 70 to 100cm down and has produced large avalanches in the past week. This includes a size 3 heli-controlled avalanche in West Ymir and Cougar&amp;#39;s Claw above Whitewater Resort as well as a size 3 natural avalanche on XTC Peak along Evening Ridge. This layer remains a concern, especially in areas where the snowpack transitions from thin to thick.

After receiving over 10cm of fresh snow yesterday, the skiing and riding has greatly improved, softening the surface and providing a welcome refresh over the firm crusts. With no new storms in the forecast until next week, conditions will gradually evolve with sun, wind, and daytime warming.

We&amp;#39;ll be back with Episode 8 and be sure to always check Avalanche Canada before heading into the backcountry!]]></description>
            <pubDate>2025-03-06 14:38:18</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-7-feb-06</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-7-feb-06</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Avalanche Canada issues Special Public Avalanche Warning]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Feb 27, 2025, Revelstoke BC: Avalanche Canada, in partnership with Parks Canada, Alberta Parks, and the Province of British Columbia, has issued a Special Public Avalanche Warning for recreational backcountry users across most forecast regions in BC and Alberta. This special warning is in effect immediately and remains in place through Monday, March 3.

A cohesive slab of snow 30 to 100 centimetres thick sits over a variety of prominent weak layers in the upper snowpack that formed during dry periods in January and February. This has created a reactive avalanche problem leading to serious incidents and close calls. While natural avalanche activity has slowed, human-triggered avalanches remain likely.

&amp;ldquo;We&amp;rsquo;ve been tracking these weak layers closely over this past month,&amp;rdquo; says Avalanche Canada Avalanche Forecaster Zoe Ryan. &amp;ldquo;Now that the snow on top of them has consolidated, it&amp;rsquo;s a recipe for dangerous avalanches. These highly problematic layers remain primed for human triggering.&amp;rdquo;

&amp;ldquo;We know backcountry users are eager to enjoy the snow,&amp;rdquo; adds Ryan, &amp;ldquo;but this is a tricky avalanche problem. The snowpack is going to take time to strengthen. Good travel habits and selecting conservative terrain will be critical because getting caught in one of these avalanches could be deadly.&amp;rdquo;

To reduce risk, Avalanche Canada recommends:
Sticking to lower-angle slopes (less than 30 degrees)
Choosing terrain that minimizes the consequences of an avalanche
Traveling one at a time when exposed to avalanche terrain
Avoiding sun-exposed slopes during warm and/or sunny conditions

&amp;quot;Avalanche conditions across B.C. are especially dangerous, and I strongly urge people to stay alert and be extra careful,&amp;quot; says Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. &amp;quot;The weather is starting to warm, and that will bring more people to the mountains. Avalanches can have devastating consequences and, tragically, have claimed the lives of two people in B.C. this year. I urge everyone to check the avalanche forecast before heading out, make cautious decisions, and consider delaying their trip to the mountains until conditions are safer.&amp;quot;

Backcountry users should always check the avalanche forecast at www.avalanche.ca. Everyone in a backcountry group must carry essential rescue gear&amp;mdash;an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel&amp;mdash;and have the training to know how to use it.



For more information contact:
Karilyn Kempton
Communications Manager, Avalanche Canada
communications@avalanche.ca
250-814-8478]]></description>
            <pubDate>2025-02-28 10:37:25</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Canada-issues-Special-Public-Avalanche-Warning</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Canada-issues-Special-Public-Avalanche-Warning</guid>
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                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Avalanche Conditions Report #6 - VIDEO]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Welcome to Episode 6 of the Avalanche Conditions Report with Jason, from Whitewater Ski Resort. Currently, Avalanche Canada is rating the hazard as moderate at all elevations. This is consistent with what we are seeing in the backcountry at Whitewater.
&amp;nbsp;





Generally, avalanche activity has been limited but there have been some reported reactivity to skier and rider traffic on the January 31 persistent weak layer buried down 30-60cm in our area. This layer is composed of surface hoar on sheltered cold aspects and a melt freeze crust on solar aspects. Additionally, there is a secondary layer of surface hoar down 20cm in our region. Currently, neither of these layers have sufficient slab density sitting over them to create enough load to see how they will react, but this is about to change.

We are set to experience a significant storm over the weekend and into early next week. Storm totals are forecast in the 50-70mm range with moderate to strong winds and rising freezing levels. This will increase the hazard significantly. It will be a good time to stay out of avalanche terrain until we see how this layer reacts with the increasing hazard.

We&amp;#39;ll be back with Episode 7 and be sure to always check Avalanche Canada before heading into the backcountry!]]></description>
            <pubDate>2025-02-21 17:22:22</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2025-02-21</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2025-02-21</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Avalanche Conditions Report #5 - VIDEO]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Welcome to Episode 5 of the 2024/2025 Avalanche Conditions Report with Jason from Whitewater Ski Resort. It&amp;#39;s February 6, 2025 and Avalanche Canada is currently rating the danger as 3 in the alpine, 3 at treeline, and 2 below treeline..

A persistent weak layer, around 50-60cm deep has been buried by recent storm snow. This weak layer is composed of hoar frost and sun crust on solar aspects, created during the previous high-pressure system.
&amp;nbsp;





While not mentioned in the regional AvCan report, the team has found reactive wind slabs, caused by moderate easterly and southeasterly winds from Monday and Tuesday. These winds scoured Ymir Bowl&amp;rsquo;s upper slopes and redistributed snow into atypical lee slopes, creating an unusual wind loading pattern compared to that of the region&amp;#39;s usual southwest winds.

A high-pressure system is moving in, with minimal snowfall expected until at least late next week. Be cautious in exposed areas of Whitewater where reactive wind slabs have formed.

We&amp;#39;ll be back with Episode 6 and be sure to always check Avalanche Canada before heading into the backcountry!]]></description>
            <pubDate>2025-02-06 16:42:54</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2025-2-6</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2025-2-6</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Avalanche Conditions Report #4 - VIDEO]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Welcome to Episode 4 of the 2024/2025 Avalanche Conditions Report with Jason from Whitewater Ski Resort. Avalanche Canada is currently rating the avalanche danger as low at all elevations, with no problems identified in our area.
&amp;nbsp;





Times are changing with a major weather transition underway! This is an extremely important time to be very cautions while travelling in the backcountry. Forecast models are showing up to 25cm of new snow by Saturday evening with moderate to strong SW winds. On shaded aspects, this new snow will be sitting on ~30cm of snow from the entire month of January which has five surface hoar layers and surface facets over previous crusts. Solar aspects have a 2-5cm melt-freeze crust from warming earlier in the week. It is very likely that avalanche hazard will be considerable to high at all elevations and on all aspects.

As we transition out of a low hazard and a stable snowpack, it is extremely important to see how the new storm snow will react to weaknesses below. As hazards increase, it is very important to adjust your mindset to the new conditions. We&amp;#39;re all excited to ski and ride pow again, but please don&amp;#39;t let your guard down and let powder fever lead to bad decisions.

Respect the hazard, travel advice, closures, and the change in snowpack. There&amp;#39;s still a lot of winter ahead and this pattern shift will hopefully start to produce a whole lot more snow.

We&amp;#39;ll be back with Episode 5 and be sure to always check Avalanche Canada before heading into the backcountry!
&amp;nbsp;]]></description>
            <pubDate>2025-01-30 13:55:09</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2025-1-30</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-2025-1-30</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Avalanche Conditions Report #3 - VIDEO]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Welcome to Episode 3 of the 2024/2025 Avalanche Conditions Report with Wendy from Whitewater Ski Resort. It&amp;#39;s January 16, 2025 and Avalanche Canada is currently rating the danger as low at all elevations, with no problems identified in our area.
&amp;nbsp;





The snowpack is well-bonded and stable, offering good conditions for backcountry travel. Riding will likely be best on north-facing slopes that haven&amp;rsquo;t been affected by wind or sun, though keep an eye on steep, sun-affected terrain where yesterday&amp;rsquo;s sun triggered small loose wet avalanches. While the early December crust isn&amp;rsquo;t an issue locally, it continues to show reactivity further north where it exists with preserved surface hoar.

The forecast is calling for low-level clouds in town, but sunshine up in the mountains, making it a great time to enjoy the alpine. If you&amp;rsquo;re lining up bigger objectives during this high-pressure period, be sure to keep your eye on conditions as you travel and adjust plans if anything feels different than forecast.

We&amp;#39;ll be back with Episode 4 in a few weeks and be sure to always check @avalanchecanada before heading into the backcountry!]]></description>
            <pubDate>2025-01-16 17:40:54</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-Jan-2025</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-Jan-2025</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Avalanche Conditions Report #2 - VIDEO]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Welcome to Episode 2 of the 2024/2025 Avalanche Conditions Report with Wendy from Whitewater Ski Resort Snow Safety Team.

Avalanche Canada is currently rating the danger as considerable across all elevations, with a storm slab and persistent slab concern.

Crust and surface hoar layers from early December are widespread across the Kootenays. Limited avalanche activity has been reported in the Apex drainage (immediately around Whitewater), but areas like the Goat Range and Bonningtons have seen greater reactivity.

Stormy conditions will continue tonight through the weekend, with avalanche danger fluctuating as snowfall intensifies or there are lulls in the storm. Stay alert for signs of instability as recent natural avalanches and cracking in the storm snow are signs of an unstable snowpack.
&amp;nbsp;





]]></description>
            <pubDate>2024-12-26 16:07:02</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-Dec-26-2024</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-Dec-26-2024</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Avalanche Conditions Report #1 - VIDEO]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Welcome to the first episode of the 2024/2025 Avalanche Conditions Report with Wendy Lewis from Whitewater Ski Resort. It&amp;#39;s December 5, and while Avalanche Canada is currently rating conditions as low across all elevations, this does not mean that avalanches are impossible.
&amp;nbsp;





November brought over 200cm of snow, which has settled into 100-150cm at 2000m. The snowpack is generally well-bonded, and no significant avalanches or test results have been reported. However, we are monitoring a few key areas. A brief rain event has created a melt-freeze crust near the base, and we&amp;rsquo;re seeing sun crust on south-facing slopes and surface hoar/faceting on north-facing slopes. With 20cm of snow expected this weekend, we&amp;rsquo;ll be watching closely to see how this new snow bonds with existing layers.

As it is early season, keep in mind that rocks, creeks, and stumps are still exposed, so stay aware, stay safe, and make good decisions out there. We&amp;#39;ll be back with Episode 2 and be sure to always check Avalanche Canada before heading into the backcountry!]]></description>
            <pubDate>2024-12-05 19:07:46</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-Dec-2024</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Avalanche-Conditions-Report-Dec-2024</guid>
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                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Human factors in ski touring &quot;FACETS&quot;]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[As we look to survive this heat wave this summer what better time to look at human factors in decision-making than now?&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
A great acronym in the industry is FACETS.&amp;nbsp; It is a helpful guide to trigger your thought process when thinking about the human factors that might affect our decisions in avalanche terrain. Here is an article from the Alpine Club&amp;nbsp;of Calgary and&amp;nbsp;a video from BCA to describe this process and how we can incorporate it into our daily winter travel.&amp;nbsp; This is&amp;nbsp;a great topic to have a look at and brush up on before the snow flies this fall.
&amp;nbsp;





]]></description>
            <pubDate>2024-07-13 07:48:24</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/FACETS</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/FACETS</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Persistent weak layers—“spooky” avalanche conditions]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Over our summer heat wave what better thing to do than get caught up on our persistent weak layers?&amp;nbsp; PWLs are one of the spookiest features of avalanche forecasting.&amp;nbsp; The main reason for this is that they are a low probability&amp;nbsp;high consequence event.&amp;nbsp; Which simply means your dog might not bite but if he does boy will it hurt.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;Here is some great info from Backcountry Access on PWL&amp;nbsp;if you are sitting by the beach with nothing to do.&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;





&amp;nbsp;]]></description>
            <pubDate>2024-07-06 07:40:04</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Persistent-weak-layers</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Persistent-weak-layers</guid>
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                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Treatment of severe frostbite with iloprost in northern Canada]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[

As temperatures rise in summer it is not the time to think about frostbite.&amp;nbsp; But for me I just came back from some high altitude climbing and had a front-row seat as one of our team members got severe frostbite.&amp;nbsp; Luckily this team member got some great frostbite treatment in Whitehorse and is now on a good road to recovery.&amp;nbsp; I wanted to share a great article by the doctor in Whitehorse &amp;quot;Treatment of severe frostbite with iloprost in northern Canada by Alexander Poole&amp;quot; for all those interested.

]]></description>
            <pubDate>2024-06-27 18:12:31</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Treatment-of-severe-frostbite-in-northern-Canada</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/Treatment-of-severe-frostbite-in-northern-Canada</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Be safe crossing summer snowfields - VIDEO]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[With Spring now in full swing and Summer just around the corner, it&amp;rsquo;s that time of year when you have to start being concerned with snowfields in the alpine and how to safely cross them. With the right measures and equipment climbers and hikers can reduce the risk of falling on the hard frozen snow which often remains on steeper north-facing slopes. The risk of falling is often underestimated and can have dire consequences if the slope angle is steep enough to quickly send you cascading down the mountain.

Many people overestimate the amount of friction the firm snow has and underestimate the potential acceleration in the event of a fall. Within 5 - 10 meters of sliding on a 30-40&amp;deg; slope with firm snow, you can easily get out of control and reach free-falling speed.

Lower angle slopes under 30&amp;deg; still carry a risk which few people are aware of. Even though these slopes do not look that steep at first glance the danger becomes being able to stop on the snow before it runs out and you crash into the rocks and ground at the terminus of the snowfield. This can have serious consequences and happen in the blink of an eye.
&amp;nbsp;





When and how to cross snow fields
Encountering a snow field requires you to pause and an assessment of the potential risk is necessary. Be considerate of the less sure-footed people in your group which also means providing support to children. If you decide to continue to cross the snowfield (after looking for another safer way around) be sure that the upper ten centimetres of the snow cover is soft and weakened so that you can easily kick footsteps into the snow. Mountain sports expert Michael Larcher suggests that &amp;ldquo;Good mountain boots are an absolute prerequisite here.&amp;rdquo;

A frequently observed error when crossing snowfields is leaning into the slope which is often caused by uncertainty and fear. A sturdy posture with your hips turned slightly inward and your body&amp;rsquo;s centre of gravity over your feet is essential. To support your body and improve balance, allow your arms to spread out a little or use trekking poles, which are even more effective.

A valuable piece of equipment to carry this time of the year are snow spikes or crampons, which significantly improve grip on snow and greatly reduce the risk of slipping. Snow spikes, unlike crampons, do not need crampon-compatible mountaineering boots and weigh around 250 grams so they are easy to bring along and can be pulled over your hiking boots easily and quickly when needed.

What to do if you slip
Anyone who slips and starts to slide on the snowfield must immediately try to slow their fall by any means possible. The longer you wait to self arrest your fall the higher your rate of speed becomes and the more difficult it is to stop. This is why it is crucial to be dressed appropriately, be prepared for a fall and react quickly as time is of the essence. To help arrest your fall and prevent your speed from building up quickly, turn onto your stomach and get into a push-up position. Your arms and legs should be spread out slightly and dig the toes of your boots into the snow and dig in with your hands at the same time. If you are not wearing gloves this may result in injury but it will be less than what could potentially happen if you do not arrest your slide. If you have a hiking pole, grasp it low down close to the sharp spike at the end and drive it into the snow with force. This will cut into the snow surface, save your hands from damage and should slow you much faster. Practicing this braking technique in safe terrain is important so that if you do fall and start to slide you are well practiced in stopping and limiting any potential danger.]]></description>
            <pubDate>2024-06-24 10:56:07</pubDate>
            <link>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/crossing-summer-snowfields</link>
            <guid>/forum/bcs/category/safety-talk/topic/crossing-summer-snowfields</guid>
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