As temperatures rise on Vancouver Island, the snow will beginning to melt possibly triggering avalanches.
Those looking to head into the backcountry this week should be wary of an avalanche warning that has been put into effect by Avalanche Canada until Monday, May 1st.
The warning was put in place after a dramatic increase in temperature which is expected to destabilize the snowpack, resulting in dangerous, destructive avalanches.
“Dangerous avalanche conditions exist for all mountainous regions in western Canada and the hazard increases with each day of warm air,” explains Mike Conlan, a senior avalanche forecaster with Avalanche Canada.
“Regions with persistent or deep persistent slab avalanche problems will be especially problematic, with avalanches potentially involving the full depth of the snowpack.”
The effect of the warm temperatures on the existing snowpack structure means that these avalanches will likely be very large and may run to valley bottoms.
While the warning may include backcountry or out-bounds-areas of Mt. Washington, Avalanche Canada is quick to note that the ski runs and the resort have ample safety measures to keep visitors safe.
The Canadian Avalanche Centre has issued the warning for the Island’s backcountry regions, including Strathcona Provincial Park, Comox Valley, and North Island.
During this warming period, it is recommended that backcountry users, including hikers and scramblers, leave a wide margin for error and exercise caution.
It’s important to stay aware of the current avalanche conditions, as they can change rapidly. Simple, low-angle terrain is the safest option during this time, and any overhead avalanche hazards should be avoided.
“We cannot stress the importance of this avalanche warning enough,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
“ Sadly, fourteen people have lost their lives to avalanches in BC 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.”
Current avalanche conditions can be found at their website here.
