Avalanche Canada wants to make sure you are careful if you head into the alpine backcountry this weekend.
Karl Klassen with Avalanche Canada says the recent weather has resulted in a shaky snowpack;
“We are just a little worried that the conditions created by the early season weaknesses near the bottom of the snow pack almost at the ground, followed by the storm, followed by clear cold weather will cause people to be caught by surprise and they start triggering avalanches on the weekend even though it’s a beautiful sunny day”
Klassen stressed that he didn’t want to tell people to avoid the mountains all together, just to be careful, aware and prepared for the worst;
“After ten of fifteen minutes your chance of survival buried is very low. So the party you are with, you and your friends will have to do the rescue. Generally speaking, by the time outside help arrives it is too late”
A shovel, probe and transponder are mandatory for anyone playing in the mountains. Klassen also mentioned balloon packs as useful to help you stay on top of an avalanche if one does occur.
Anyone without the proper training and gear should stick to areas with professional avalanche management. The warning is in place until December 1st.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
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