Due to the very late spring, the CAC is extending it’s forecasting program.
We will issue our last regularly scheduled daily forecasts April 22nd. We’ll
then do regular updates on Thursdays or more often if conditions warrant until
spring conditions are fully established or the May long weekend, whichever comes
first. While avalanche danger ratings are relatively low, it does look like
sunny warm weather is in the cards for the Easter long weekend. This will likely
increase avalanche danger in the afternoons, especially on sunward slopes at
higher elevations. Please remember that while it may feel spring-like in the
valleys, it’s still winter in the alpine. I suggest that winter planning
procedures are in order if you are heading out this weekend. Check
avalanche forecasts at avalanche.ca to assess current conditions and choose
appropriate terrain. The press release we issued on the subject is below.
Karl
Klassen
Mountain Guide
Canadian
Avalanche Centre, Public Avalanche Warning Service Manager
Revelstoke, BC
Canada
kklassen@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Cool weather, deep snowpack means avalanches remain possible,
warns Canadian Avalanche Centre
Forecast season extended; recreational backcountry users urged to
keep avalanche safety in mind for the Easter weekend
April 20, 2011, Revelstoke, BC: Although
the calendar may say it is spring, most mountainous areas of western Canada
remain cold and snowbound. And as the Easter long weekend approaches, the
Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) wants backcountry users to keep avalanche safety
in mind.
Winter’s hold has prompted the CAC to
extend its forecasting season. “In a normal year we shut down the forecast
office at the end of this week,” explains Karl Klassen, Manager of the CAC’s
Public Avalanche Safety Service. “But the way this season is going means our
services will be needed for a few weeks yet.”
While skiers and snowmobilers are enjoying
the extended season, they should continue to plan trips and manage risks as if
it were winter. The CAC also wants to send a message to other backcountry users
who may not be as familiar with avalanche hazard. “Where valley bottom trails
are clear of snow, hikers, dirt-bikers, and people on quads will be planning
outings as well,” says Klassen. “These activities may still be exposed to
avalanche hazard from the slopes above. We want everyone, no matter what their
mode of travel, to be aware of the possibility of avalanches this spring. Pay
attention to the slopes above you and don’t linger in any area exposed to
avalanches.”
Every member of a backcountry party
needs to be equipped with a shovel, probe and transceiver. The CAC strongly
recommends that all backcountry users take an avalanche awareness course.
Snowpack stability changes constantly throughout the winter; backcountry users
need to check the avalanche bulletin regularly to keep informed of conditions in
their area. Avalanche bulletins are can be found at www.avalanche.ca.
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For more information
contact:
Karl Klassen, Public Avalanche Warning
Service Manager
250.837.2141
(227)