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Massive Avalanche Warning and New Ice Climber Info

With warming temps, experts are advising everyone to stay away from avalanche terrain

Avalanche Canada, in partnership with Parks Canada and Alberta’s Kananaskis Country, is issuing a Special Public Avalanche Warning for recreational backcountry users across a widespread area of B.C. and Alberta.

The bottom line: don’t go into the back country this week because avalanche risk is high across the board. Increasing temperatures are in the forecast and the effect of this first big warm-up of the season will destabilize the snowpack. This special warning is in effect immediately and will stay effective through the weekend.

In a news release, the Alberta government said the warning would stay in effect “through the weekend” and applies to Waterton, Jasper, Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks, Kananaskis Country, the South Rockies, the North Rockies, the Cariboos, Lizard and Flathead.

“There is a lot of uncertainty with these weak layers,” said Karl Klassen, the warning service manager for Avalanche Canada. “These warm temperatures are going to be a concern across all these regions, with the most significant impact in the south.”

The Mountain Information Network (MIN) is a place where backcountry users can upload daily avi observations. The year-old service has been updated to include unique features for ice climbers. Watch the video below and scroll down to see a massive crown captured by photographer John Scurlock in the Cascade Mountains south of the border.

 

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