Avalanche Canada is issuing a stern warning about the risk of further slides in the backcountry.
According to the agency, a snowstorm blowing in to the South Coast is expected to pile another 10 to 15 centimetres of snow on top of a weak layer buried 50 centimetres down, which could easily be triggered.
Avalanche Canada crews conduct a snowpack test on Wednesday. The agency is warning people to use extreme caution in the backcountry as a winter storm heightens avalanche risk. Screengrab.
“Human-triggered avalanches will be likely over the weekend, especially on steeper terrain. The clearing skies and fresh snow will be very inviting but we are urging backcountry users to be extra cautious during this period,” said James Floyer, warning program supervisor for Avalanche Canada.
Avalanche Canada conducted extra snowpack tests on Wednesday as part of the investigation into the death of snowshoer Remigiusz Michalowski.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBvd1ozA-Kw&feature=youtu.be
The Special Public Avalanche Warning for recreational backcountry users is in effect immediately until end of day Sunday, Feb 24. The warning applies to BC’s South Coast region and Vancouver Island. For a map of the area covered by the warning, click here.
