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.害羞草研究所檚 and Alberta害羞草研究所檚 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.

害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檝e been tracking these weak layers closely over this past month,害羞草研究所� Rettie said. 害羞草研究所淲hile their structure has different forms across different regions, the result is the same 害羞草研究所� highly problematic layers that remain reactive to human triggering.

害羞草研究所淭his has been the biggest storm of the season, and we know backcountry users are eager to enjoy the snow,害羞草研究所� Rettie added. 害羞草研究所淏ut it害羞草研究所檚 vital to not underestimate the instability of these weak layers. Any avalanche triggered on them could be deadly.害羞草研究所�

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.

害羞草研究所淕iven the unpredictability of avalanches, and their devastating potential consequences, we害羞草研究所檙e urging everyone to stay safe by exercising caution and making informed decisions when planning a trip in the backcountry,害羞草研究所� said Bowinn Ma, BC害羞草研究所檚 Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. 害羞草研究所淧lease follow the guidance of Avalanche Canada during this time of heightened risk.害羞草研究所�

Backcountry users should always check the avalanche forecast at . Everyone in a backcountry party needs the essential rescue gear害羞草研究所攖ransceiver, probe, and shovel害羞草研究所攁nd the training to use it.