A search and rescue helicopter heads toward a deadly British Columbia avalanche site in 2010. We see a black helicopter in the upper left of the photo. It is flying in a steely grey sky above high, snow-covered mountains

A search and rescue helicopter heads toward a deadly British Columbia avalanche site in 2010.
Photo Credit: CP Photo / Jeff McIntosh

Avalanche warning issued in British Columbia

Hikers and skiers heading into British Columbia’s backcountry are being warned to take special care over the next several days.

Wild weather swings have heightened the potential for avalanches in large areas across the province and in western Alberta

Avalanche Canada, based in the town of Revelstoke, B.C., says many natural, small avalanches in recent days have made bad conditions obvious.

But it adds that hikers and skiers may not realize increased dangers because cracks will be hidden under 60 to 100 centimetres of good powder snow.

Avalanche Canada is recommending that backcountry skiers and hikers remain on simple, low-angle terrain and avoid large and steep slopes.

It is also telling users to minimize exposure to overhead hazards and avoid travel if other people are trekking across terrain above.

The alert covers the North Rockies, Cariboos, North Columbia, South Columbia, Kootenay-Boundary, Purcells, South Rockies, Lizard and Flathead and South Coast Inland regions.

Categories: Environment & Animal Life, Health, Society
Tags:

Do you want to report an error or a typo? Click here!

For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.