Avalanche Canada says conditions 'very dangerous' in southwestern B.C.

Avalanche Canada says backcountry users in southwestern British Columbiashould exercise extreme caution as recent snowfall, freezing rain and wind has created "very dangerous" conditions in the mountains along the South Coast and on Vancouver Island.

The forecasting agency has issued a "high" danger rating for the region, which over the past several days has experienced transitions between freezing rain and heavy snowfall of more than 30 centimetres in some places.

Combined with high wind, the agency says conditions are ripe for problems, with people in the area advised to "avoid avalanche terrain and exposure to overhead hazard."

The high rating the second highest on Avalanche Canada's five-step scale applies to alpine and treeline areas.

Further inland the risk is not as high, but the forecaster says with more snow and changing weather patterns in the forecast, it is important for anyone going out to enjoy fresh snow to check local conditions and be prepared with emergency safety kits.

"When we're seeing these periods of change in patterns, rapid change in conditions, it's super important that you read the forecast every morning before you head out into the mountains," said Tyson Rettie of Avalanche Canada.

A primary concern, he said, is having a brittle layer of older snow underneath a dump of fresh powder, which can mask dangers underneath. Snaps and slides can occur below the surface without hikers or skiers noticing.

Warning signs

There aremultiple warning signs a snowpack isn't stable, including seeing cracks shooting across the snow under your weight or a "whumpf" sound the noise of snow falling into itself when a weak layer collapses.

Most slides happen on slopes of angles between 35 and 45 degrees,which is about as steep as double black diamond ski run, but they can happen elsewhere, too.

If a slope is larger than a tennis court about 10 square metresit could have enough snow for an avalanche.

WATCH | Experts offer safety training:

Experts offer safety training as forecasters predict a severe avalanche season in B.C.

2 years ago

Duration 1:31

Avalanche Canada is warning that B.C.'s snowpack this year is unusually weak and will be more vulnerable to avalanches. A Prince George Search and Rescue group is hoping those heading to the backcountry will take the time to train themselves in case of an avalanche disaster.

Danger ratings

According to Avalanche Canada, the ratings are as follows:

• 5 Extreme:Extraordinarily dangerous avalanche conditions where natural and human-triggered slides are a certainty. People should avoid all avalanche terrain.
• 4 High:Very dangerous conditions where human-triggered avalanches are "very likely." Travel is not recommended.
• 3 Considerable:Dangerousconditions where human-triggered avalanches are "likely." People should make careful decisions and avoid extra risk.
• 2 Moderate:Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features where human-triggered avalanches are "possible."
• 1 Low:Generally safe avalanche conditions where slides are "unlikely."