Avalanche warning issued for Alberta, B.C. mountain ranges
Posted Dec 23, 2020 11:58 am.
Last Updated Dec 23, 2020 10:32 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY – A wide-ranging avalanche warning has been issued for western Canada, including much of southern Alberta’s popular mountain areas.
The warning includes the Kananaskis, Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, and Glacier National Park and almost all the mountain ranges into B.C.
The warning from Avalanche Canada says with the holidays upon us and many people turning to outdoor recreation this year, instead of their traditional indoor holiday gatherings.
“With indoor gatherings restricted by the pandemic, we recognize many of us will want to spend time outdoors in our beautiful backcountry over the holidays,” said James Floyer, forecast program supervisor for Avalanche Canada.
“People must be aware that even though the weather has settled, dangerous avalanche conditions remain throughout much of western Canada. There is a serious potential for large, human-triggered avalanches at this time.”
The snowpack is in a precarious state with a critically weak layer 60 to 100 centimetres down. Avalanche Canada says it could be very easy to trigger a slide.
“We know sunny weather can give people a false sense of security when they venture into the backcountry,” said Floyer.
“This is not the time to let your guard down. Steep open slopes will look tempting but are best left alone for now.”
If you are headed out, make sure you know the conditions and gear up properly.
