Revised avalanche warning system unveiled
Posted Mar 17, 2010 9:43 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A local mother is among many applauding a new Avalanche danger warning scale.
The federal government unveiled the North American Avalanche Danger Scale system in Calgary on Wednesday.
Donna Broshko’s 15-year-old son died in a 2003 avalanche, and she says the new system is fabulous.
Broshko says, “the biggest thing is getting it out to the public, and to have it as the icons on the weather channel.”
The system is designed to help people make better choices when entering the backcountry.
“This is the most comprehensive and complete avalanche warning system designed to date,” said Federal Environment Minister Prentice. “While we will never completely eliminate the risk, this initiative provides backcountry users with another tool to use in conjunction with specific equipment and training to help minimize those risks.”
Warnings will assess the likelihood of avalanches being triggered, their expected size and whether travel is recommended.
They will also provide the first international standard for graphic icons.
“We are a world leader in backcountry avalanche awareness and safety,” said Minister Prentice. “Through cooperative efforts such as these to simplify and improve available information on avalanche risk, we can make a difference and work to minimize future avalanche fatalities.”
The announcement comes just days after an avalanche at a snowmobiling event near Revelstoke killed two Calgary-area men, and injured 30 others.
Witnesses said three snowmobilers were racing each other up a slope, known as highmarking, when a massive snow slab above them gave way.
The new system will be up and running next winter.
