Weak layer in the snowpack combines with Christmas holidays

Dec 17, 2009, Revelstoke, BC: The Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) is issuing a special avalanche warning for the mountainous backcountry areas of BC’s South Coast. The warning is in effect from Friday December 18 through to December 21. Snow from recent storms is resting on a unusually weak layer within the snowpack. This, coupled with warming temperatures, is creating a situation where it will likely be very easy to trigger avalanches large enough to injure a person.

“This being the beginning of the holiday season, many people are eager to hit the backcountry or go outside ski area boundaries,” explains Karl Klassen, the CAC’s Public Avalanche Bulletins Manager. “For skiers and snowmobilers on the South Coast, this is not the weekend to ride aggressively in backcountry areas.”

The CAC recommends all recreational backcountry users in the warning area to stay on simple low angle terrain, avoid avalanche paths, and monitor the advice in the avalanche bulletins for the duration of this warning period. Bulletins are available at www.avalanche.ca/bulletins or by phoning 1 800 667 1105.

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For more information
CAC Public Avalanche Forecasting Office
250.837.2141 (230)
Karl Klassen, CAC Public Avalanche Bulletins Manager
250.814.3756