With the holiday’s fast approaching, Avalanche Canada is reminding folks to be cautious when heading to the backcountry.
The Prince George area is currently under a considerable danger rating from the treeline and up, with a moderate rating below the treeline.
Forecaster, Tyson Rettie attributes the current ratings to the recent weather trend.
“Throughout the night and into today (December 7th), we’re seeing that change in temperature.” says Rettie.
“Temperatures are now cooling off enough that in the upper elevations, we’re getting snow as opposed to rain, and we’re getting quite a bit of it. That’s what’s causing that increase in avalanche hazard.”
Rettie says looking into Monday (December 9th) and Tuesday, avalanche hazards will likely decrease as the current storm comes to an end and temperatures cool off.
Anyone planning to head out to the backcountry should take an Avalanche Skills Training Course, which teaches how to read the forecast, how to use companion rescue tools, how to recognize avalanche terrain, and how to reduce risks.
Rettie also recommends people invest in some sort of satellite communication device to call for help when out of cell service.
More information and the avalanche danger rating can be found on Avalanche Canada’s website here.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
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