Warning issued for ‘dangerous, destructive avalanches’ in B.C. backcountry

A Special Public Avalanche Warning (SPAW) has been issued for B.C.’s backcountry, with Avalanche Canada urging people in the “mountainous regions of western Canada” to exercise extreme caution.

“A dramatic increase in temperatures is expected to destabilize the snowpack, resulting in dangerous, destructive avalanches,” the agency explains.

It notes the warning is in effect from now until the end of Monday, May 1, in the areas highlighted in red.

A Special Public Avalanche Warning has been issued for western Canada, including B.C.’s mountainous regions. The warning is in effect until May 1, 2023. (Courtesy Avalanche Canada)

Avalanche Canada says the quick transition from cold and wintry conditions is creating a dangerous situation, adding the rising temperatures on “the existing snowpack” is likely to result in “very large” avalanches that “may run to valley bottoms.”

The risk is increasing with each warm day, the organization explains.

“Regions with persistent or deep persistent slab avalanche problems will be especially problematic, with avalanches potentially involving the full depth of the snowpack,” Mike Conlan, a senior avalanche forecaster with Avalanche Canada, explained.

The warmer temperatures are also creating the risk of cornice falls. A cornice is described by Avalanche Canada as an overhanging ledge or shelf of snow that usually forms over a shadowed side of a ridge. A cornice fall is caused when this mass, often heavy, breaks off.

“Cornices can be destructive by themselves but also act as a trigger for destructive deep persistent avalanches,” Conlan said.

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Avalanche Canada is urging backcountry users to “leave a wide margin for error” throughout the warming period, recommending people stay in low-angle and simple terrain, and avoid hazardous areas.

Backcountry users are also being reminded to check the avalanche forecast for the area they’re going to and to ensure they have the appropriate gear and training before heading out.

“I urge everyone considering heading into the backcountry to take seriously the advice of Avalanche Canada. Sadly, fourteen people have lost their lives to avalanches in B.C. this year—many of whom were extremely experienced. Everyone needs to exercise extreme caution and make good decisions during this Special Public Avalanche Warning to keep themselves and our incredible search and rescue volunteers safe,” said Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Bowinn Ma.