Avalanche Canada and Parks Canada are warning anyone headed into the mountains to stay clear of avalanche terrain as warmer weather is putting the South Coast region at high risk for deadly slides.
Anything from the treeline up to the alpine has a “high” danger rating for the next three days, at least, according to the latest forecast.
“This dramatic temperature increase will increase the likelihood of avalanches throughout the mountains. At the same time, with the warm weather and B.C.’s spring break, we expect to see more people heading into the mountains,” the statement from Avalanche Canada warned Monday morning.
According to the agency, the warm temperatures are expected to destabilize the upper 20 to 30 centimeters of snow, which is likely to begin failing naturally, though even deeper avalanches are possible.
“The likelihood of deep persistent slab avalanches will increase with each day of warm weather,” the release stated.
Avalanche Canada is also warning backcountry adventurers to avoid areas with large cornices overhead.
“Cornices are going to begin to loosen up and you don't want to be under one of these monsters when they fail,” the statement read.
Anyone going into the backcountry needs to be carrying a rescue transceiver, probe and shovel and be trained in how to use them in the event of an avalanche, the agency warns.
