Roads are pretty slick around the Prince George area this morning (Tuesday), as temperatures rapidly dropped overnight.
But that’s good news for the Northern Rockies region, that went from a high danger rating for avalanches on Sunday and Monday, down to considerable and moderate danger ratings today.
Ari Hanna with Avalanche Canada explained that at a high danger rating, natural avalanches were likely, and human triggered avalanches were very likely.
“This freeze will actually help freeze up any wet snow at lower elevations. So avalanche danger will decrease rapidly there, because refrozen snow is pretty solid and unlikely to avalanche.”
She said they expect to see a graduated downtrend in hazard as the new, dry snow at higher elevations settles and stabilizes.
“It’s good news for avalanche danger, but it can make travel difficult because the surface is often crusty and you can punch through, but it means avalanches are unlikely.”
Avalanche Canada’s website warns that slabs may still be reactive in wind loaded areas, and could still be sensitive to human triggering.