As snow begins to fall on local mountains like Powder King, skiiers and snowboarders will soon hit the slopes.
Avalanche Canada is launching a new mountain networking system where the public can report and be aware of any possible avalanches.
Forecasting Program Supervisor James Floyer says Hot Zone Reports will collaborate with other information engines to ensure public safety.
“We’ll be able to put that together with our weather models, as well as a limited amount of professional observations as well, and we’re going to provide a professional analysis that we’re hoping is going to be very useful to those people within those local areas.”
He says most incidents involving people are triggered by a large group, but it’s important to report all kinds of slides, big or small.
“So I would very much encourage people who hear about or certainly are involved with an avalanche, or even a close call. Maybe you didn’t actually get carried anywhere, but you triggered something and you slide down the side of the mountain.”
Floyer adds Hot Zone Reports will also determine which areas have experienced avalanches.
Powder King, for example, has officially opened for Northern BC residents, however Floyer says Avalanche Canada doesn’t receive enough activity from the mountain because it’s a ‘weekend attraction.’
“You really got to make your own observations to see if those conditions are really matching what you’re seeing where you’re actually going.”
The organization will continue to provide current condition updates that will be available every Thursday for as long as the hill is open.