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
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
B.C. man wants homes for thousands of books he soon won't be able to read
In the 10 years since John William started to lose his vision, he's been finding new ways to enjoy his vast personal library.
Israel closes Gaza crossing after Hamas attack and vows military operation 'in the very near future'
Israel closed its main crossing point for delivering badly needed humanitarian aid for Gaza on Sunday after Hamas militants attacked it, reportedly wounding several Israelis, while the defense minister warned of "a powerful operation in the very near future in Rafah and other places across all of Gaza."
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in a three-horse photo finish
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory.
opinion You don't need to be an influencer to earn income from social media
How legitimate are claims by some content creators that the average person can earn passive income from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram? Personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says it's quite possible, if you're willing to put in the initial time and effort.
Denial and uncertainty are looming over a Biden-Trump rematch 6 months out from U.S. Election Day
Exactly six months before Election Day, Biden and Trump are locked in the first contest in 112 years with a current and former president competing for the White House. It's a race that is at once deeply entrenched and highly in flux as many voters are only just beginning to embrace the reality of the 2024 campaign.
Bombarded with spam texts? Stats show the problem is getting worse in Canada
In particular, messages that involve phishing — an attack where a scammer tries to trick the recipient into clicking a malicious link, downloading malware or sharing sensitive information — are on the rise.
William Shatner says he would consider 'Star Trek' return: 'Here comes Captain Kirk!'
The Montreal-born actor, famed for his portrayal of Captain Kirk in "Star Trek," says he is open to reprising the iconic role in the sci-fi franchise as long as the storytelling is stellar.