A special avalanche warning has been issued for much of B.C. and southern Alberta, after a spate of recent storms has hiked the risk of human-triggered avalanches.

Avalanche Canada, in partnership with Parks Canada, Kananaskis Country, and the Province of B.C., issued the warning on Thursday, Feb. 29, for recreational backcountry users across most of B.C.B次元官网网址檚 and AlbertaB次元官网网址檚 forecast regions.

The special warning is in effect immediately and will apply through the end of Monday, March 4.

Avalanche Canada Forecaster Tyson Rettie said that recent storms have deposited a significant amount of snow across Western Canada. This new snow sits on prominent weak layers established in early February. Now that the storms have abated, the natural avalanche activity has slowed but human-triggered avalanches remain likely.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e been tracking these weak layers closely over this past month,B次元官网网址� Rettie said. B次元官网网址淲hile their structure has different forms across different regions, the result is the same B次元官网网址� highly problematic layers that remain reactive to human triggering.

B次元官网网址淭his has been the biggest storm of the season, and we know backcountry users are eager to enjoy the snow,B次元官网网址� Rettie added. B次元官网网址淏ut itB次元官网网址檚 vital to not underestimate the instability of these weak layers. Any avalanche triggered on them could be deadly.B次元官网网址�

Making cautious terrain choices will be an important strategy for all backcountry users over the next few days. A good way to do this is by sticking to lower-angle slopes and choosing smaller objectives that minimize the consequences of an avalanche.

B次元官网网址淕iven the unpredictability of avalanches, and their devastating potential consequences, weB次元官网网址檙e urging everyone to stay safe by exercising caution and making informed decisions when planning a trip in the backcountry,B次元官网网址� said Bowinn Ma, BCB次元官网网址檚 Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. B次元官网网址淧lease follow the guidance of Avalanche Canada during this time of heightened risk.B次元官网网址�

Backcountry users should always check the avalanche forecast at . Everyone in a backcountry party needs the essential rescue gearB次元官网网址攖ransceiver, probe, and shovelB次元官网网址攁nd the training to use it.