An avalanche warning for recreational users of backcountry and front-country avalanche terrain is in effect immediately until Dec. 27. The warning is widespread and applies to the following forecasted regions:
- Kootenay-Boundary
- South Columbia
- North Columbia
- Purcells
- Cariboos
- North Rockies
- South Rockies
- Lizard Range-Flathead
- Banff National Park
- Yoho National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Waterton National Park
- Kananaskis Country
The snowpack in these regions includes a weak layer below the snow surface. Recent storms in Western Canada added sufficient snow above this layer and brought the snowpack to a tipping point where large avalanches can be easily triggered by people on snowshoes, skis or snowmobile.
Backcountry users and anyone recreating in avalanche terrain, including those going outside ski area boundaries, are advised to exercise caution and stick to low-angle or densely forested slopes.
Check avalanche.ca for current avalanche information before travelling in the backcountry. Everyone in a backcountry party needs to have the essential rescue gear – transceiver, probe and shovel – and the knowledge to use it.