Avalanche warning issued for Western Canada

Avalanche Canada, in partnership with Alberta Parks (Kananaskis Country) and Parks Canada, has issued a special public avalanche warning for a widespread area of Alberta and British Columbia.

The avalanche warning is in effect immediately, and will stay effective through the weekend.The warning is widespread and applies to the following forecast regions:

• North Rockies
• Cariboos
• Jasper National Park
• Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks
• Kananaskis Country
• South Rockies
• Lizard and Flathead
• Waterton Lakes National Park

Increasing temperatures and persistent weak layers in the snowpack across these areas are expected to have a destabilizing effect that could make natural and human-triggered avalanches much more likely.

Backcountry users and anyone recreating in avalanche terrain are advised to exercise caution and to always check their regional avalanche forecasts at avalanche.ca.

Everyone in a backcountry party needs to have the essential rescue gear – transceiver, probe and shovel – and the knowledge to use it.