Avalanche risk prompts warning, Trans-Canada Highway closure after 'biggest storm of the season' in B.C.
Dangerous snowpack conditions in British Columbia and Alberta have prompted avalanche forecasters to issue a "special public avalanche warning" following significant snowfall this week in the Western Canadian backcountry.
The joint advisory Thursday from Avalanche Canada, Parks Canada and the B.C. government says the warning is in effect immediately and will remain in place through to the end of March 4.
"This has been the biggest storm of the season, and we know backcountry users are eager to enjoy the snow," Avalanche Canada forecaster Tyson Rettie said in the advisory. "But it's vital to not underestimate the instability of these weak layers. Any avalanche triggered on them could be deadly."
The agency's most recent forecast data show dangerous "widespread natural storm slab" avalanche conditions covering much of B.C.'s southern and northern coastal mountains, as well the southeastern and central Rocky Mountains into western Alberta.
Recent storms dumped heavy snow at high elevations throughout the backcountry, leaving significant accumulation atop precariously weak layers of precipitation that fell in early February, Avalanche Canada says.
"We've been tracking these weak layers closely over this past month," Rettie added. "While their structure has different forms across different regions, the result is the same – highly problematic layers that remain reactive to human triggering."
Trans-Canada Highway closure
The avalanche danger forced the overnight closure of the Trans-Canada Highway between Revelstoke, B.C., and Golden, B.C. on Wednesday. The major east-west highway remained closed without a detour route Thursday morning before reopening around 12:45 p.m., according to DriveBC.
Avalanche Canada is advising backcountry users to make cautious terrain choices. "A good way to do this is by sticking to lower-angle slopes and choosing smaller objectives that minimize the consequences of an avalanche," the agency said.
B.C.'s emergency management minister echoed the warning in the advisory Thursday.
"Given the unpredictability of avalanches, and their devastating potential consequences, we’re urging everyone to stay safe by exercising caution and making informed decisions when planning a trip in the backcountry," said Bowinn Ma. "Please follow the guidance of Avalanche Canada during this time of heightened risk."
Avalanche Canada urges anyone venturing into the backcountry at times of elevated slide risk to check their local forecast and always carry essential rescue gear, including a transceiver a probe and a shovel.
Two people have died in avalanches in Western Canada since the start of the year, including a snowmobiler who triggered an avalanche near the B.C.-Alberta border last weekend.
Sixteen people were killed by avalanches in Canada in 2023. Fourteen of those deaths were recorded in B.C.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ontario gave parents more than $1B in cash over 2 years. Here's where the money went
During the pandemic, the Ontario government started to hand out cash to parents to help offset the cost of at-home learning while schools were shuttered.
One dead, 26 wounded in overnight shooting in Ohio: reports
A shooting on a street in Akron, Ohio, killed one man and wounded 26 other people early Sunday morning, according to reports by local news outlets.
Do this once a month and extend your life by up to 10 years. No gym required
Research shows that art experiences, whether as a maker or a beholder, transform our biology by rewiring our brains and triggering the release of neurochemicals, hormones and endorphins.
Ambassador says interactions with Russia 'quite limited' but 'not unfriendly'
Canada's ambassador to Russia says while Ottawa has 'grave concerns' about the Kremlin's 'longer-term trends,' the war in Ukraine is 'a primary barrier to a change in the relationship.'
Bathroom break nearly derails $22 million project at city council meeting
A brief break during Wednesday's city council meeting in Saskatoon nearly cost the city dearly.
Mass parachute jump over Normandy kicks off commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day
Parachutists jumping from Second World War-era planes hurled themselves Sunday into now peaceful Normandy skies where war once raged, heralding a week of ceremonies for the fast-disappearing generation of Allied troops who fought from D-Day beaches 80 years ago.
Lanny McDonald and a few old Flames take the Stanley Cup on a surprise visit to the man who saved his life
The Stanley Cup was passing through town Friday, and Lanny Legend took it upon himself to take it for a surprise visit.
South Korea vows 'unbearable' retaliation against North Korea over its launch of trash balloons
South Korea said Sunday it’ll soon take retaliatory steps against North Korea over its launch of trash-carrying balloons across the border and other provocations.
Chad Daybell sentenced to death for killing wife and girlfriend’s two children in jury decision
Jurors resumed deliberations Saturday on whether a man should be sentenced to death after being convicted days earlier of the murders of his wife and his girlfriend’s two youngest children in Idaho.