The weight from the last few days of constant snowfall has led to weak layers in the Interior, prompting Avalanche Canada to issue a warning.
Anyone planning on going to the backcountry this long weekend is being reminded to exercise caution, because the pattern of avalanches is expected to change, turning to more sporadic conditions.
“The decrease in natural avalanches coupled with improved weather and the long weekend is a classic situation where skiers and snowmobilers venture into more aggressive terrain where they might trigger avalanches themselves or be struck from above,” says Mark Bender, a senior avalanche forecaster for Avalanche Canada. “People might be surprised by how large an avalanche can be triggered and how far it could run.”
Near misses have occurred in the last couple of weeks and a fatal accident occurred between Blue River and Valemount on January 30.
The warning is expected to be lifted at the end of the day Monday.