Article content Calgary Zoo researcher Alyssa Friesen examines a half-moon hairstreak butterfly in the field in Waterton Lakes National Park in 2019. Photo by Jill Hockaday /Calgary Zoo
“This tiny and humble butterfly may not be in the spotlight as much as some species, but their existence is a valuable and intrinsic part of Canada’s rich biodiversity; together we’ll work hard to ensure they have a vibrant future for generations to come.”
The half-moon hairstreak (Satyrium semiluna) gets its name from the indistinct white-ringed black spots on its wings and, unlike most other species of hairstreaks, has no tail on the hindwing. Butterflies play a critical role in an ecosystem’s biodiversity as a prey species and as a pollinator.
CALGARY Strong winds are expected to develop throughout the day on Saturday in many regions of southwestern Alberta, Environment Canada warns. The agency issued the advisory at about 8 a.m., saying that the extreme weather conditions are expected to focus in wind prone areas along the foothills. It says the winds, which include gusts up to 90 km/h, will occur sometime in the afternoon. They are expected to subside by Sunday morning but, in the meantime, residents are advised to take precautions given the conditions. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions due to high winds, the bulletin reads.
Howard Alexander - News Editor
FILE PHOTO - Avalanche Canada has issued a special public warning for the possibility of snow slides on mountain ranges stretching the length of eastern British Columbia and into Alberta s Kananaskis Country. A statement from Avalanche Canada, in partnership with Parks Canada and Kananaskis Country, says a weak layer about one metre below the surface means the snowpack is in a precarious state.
Image Credit: FACBOOK December 23, 2020 - 2:30 PM REVELSTOKE, B.C. - Avalanche Canada has issued a special public warning for the possibility of snow slides on mountain ranges stretching the length of eastern British Columbia and into Alberta s Kananaskis Country.
Special avalanche warning issued for North Rockies and the rest of B C energeticcity.ca - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from energeticcity.ca Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
– Kananaskis Country
The snowpack is currently in a precarious state throughout these regions due to the presence of a critical weak layer 60–100 cm below the snow surface. The storms that blew through Western Canada over the past week added sufficient snow above the weak layer to bring the snowpack to a tipping point where large avalanches can be easily triggered by people on snowshoes, skis, or snowmobile.
“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,” explained 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.”