An avalanche warning has been issued for the North Shore mountains and surrounding areas.
The Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) has issued a warning for the North Shore, Howe Sound Crest and east to the Coquihalla Summit, today through Sunday, Feb. 3rd.
Operations manager John Kelly says there is an unusually weak layer in the snowpack and a slide could be triggered.
"The colder weather earlier this month created this weakness," he said in a statement. "We are concerned that recreational backcountry users in this area will not have much experience with this type of problem."
Kelly said an extra margin of safety is required for anyone traveling in the avalanche terrain this coming weekend.
A total of 11 people have died in avalanches in Western Canada this season.
The CAC advises:
- Stay on simpler terrain
- Stay off steep slopes (steeper than the stairs in your house)
- Avoid convex features, especially where the slope below is unsupported
- Avoid terrain traps
- Spread out when crossing avalanche runout zones
- Avoid avalanche start zones and tracks. If you must travel in these areas, go one at
- a time from safe point to safe point
The CAC says an avalanche skills training course could reduce your risk.
The CAC's website, www.avalanche.ca, has forecasts and information reports, as well as a list of course providers.
Public reports can also be obtained by phone at 1-800-667-1105.
With files from The Canadian Press
