Avalanche warnings in effect for areas highlighted in red. (Avalanche Canada)
According to Warning Service Manager Karl Klassen, there are persistent weak layers in the snowpack across the area.
“When the sun and these high temperatures hit this complex snowpack, it’s going to have a destabilizing effect that will make natural and human-triggered avalanches more likely,” says Klassen.
The Rocky Mountain National Parks report there have been several close calls of large avalanches running the full extent of their reach.
Avalanche Canada says Backcountry users should check regional avalanche forecasts, ensure they have essential rescue gear and know-how to use it.
Posted:
March 3, 2021
Warmth prompts widespread avalanche warning
Avalanche Canada, in partnership with Parks Canada and Alberta’s Kananaskis Country, is issuing a Special Public Avalanche Warning for recreational backcountry users across a widespread area of B.C. and Alberta.
Increasing temperatures are in the forecast and the effect of this first big warm-up of the season will destabilize the snowpack.
This special warning is in effect immediately and will stay effective through the weekend.
“There are persistent weak layers in the snowpack all across this area,” explained Karl Klassen, Warning Service Manager for Avalanche Canada. “When the sun and these high temperatures hit this complex snowpack, it’s going to have a destabilizing effect that will make natural and human-triggered avalanches much more likely.”
Waterton Lakes National Park. “There are persistent weak layers in the snowpack all across this area,” said Karl Klassen, warning service manager for Avalanche Canada. “When the sun and these high temperatures hit this complex snowpack, it’s going to have a destabilizing effect that will make natural and human-triggered avalanches much more likely.” Officials say several close calls have been reported recently and avalanches have been running the full length of their paths in national parks. “There is a lot of uncertainty with these weak layers,” said Klassen. “These warm temperatures are going to be a concern across all these regions, with the most significant impact in the south.”