Avalanche Canada has issued a special public avalanche warning for recreational backcountry users this weekend.
It applies to central interior mountain ranges including those in the Kootenay-Boundary.
Snow storms across the province have buried a weak layer that is particularly prevalent at lower elevations. However, due to the amount of new snow, all elevation bands are potentially hazardous, James Floyer, Avalanche Canada’s forecasting program supervisor said in a news release.
“We’ve had a relatively stable snowpack up to this point but things have changed now,” says Floyer. “We urge all recreational backcountry users to recognize this shift and to exercise more caution. Staying safe in the backcountry this weekend requires selecting simple, low-angled terrain, even when you’re at lower elevations below treeline.”