More Climbers Died in Avalanches Than Skiers Here, And Danger is Extreme Today
Roads are closed as Avalanche Canada has given three regions extreme avalanche danger ratings from below tree line to the alpine
The avalanche danger is forecasted to be extreme in most of Canada’s most popular backcountry areas today. Avalanche Canada is expecting the incoming storm to bring very dangerous avalanche conditions, with the potential for full path avalanches.
“It’s time to avoid all avalanche terrain,” said Canada’s leading avalanche experts. Sunshine Village ski area is closed today as Parks Canada has closed the access road due to extreme avalanche danger.
According to Parks Canada, from 1996 to 2021 in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks, 41 per cent of avalanche deaths (13) were climbers either waterfall ice climbing or mountaineering, where as 38 per cent were skiers (12). And 59 per cent of the avalanches were triggered by a person, whereas 41 per cent were natural. For stats info, visit mountain guide Paddy Jerome’s Instagram post below. “2nd image. Some very interesting stats on avalanche fatalities in BNP in the past 25 years. The numbers were recently compiled by Grant Statham – VS Specialist for BNP. Ice climbers and mountaineers exceed skiers in overall fatalities in BNP. Not good.”
Forecast for Banff, Yoho, Kootenay and Little Yoho: A significant storm is expected on Wednesday. It will be best to enjoy the ski hill and avoid all avalanche terrain.
Forecast for Sea to Sky: Large, destructive avalanches will occur Tuesday night through Wednesday. Don’t mess with avalanche terrain.
Sunshine Village is Closed Today December 1st.
Parks Canada is closing the access road immediately and for the entire day due to heavy snow and extreme avalanche risks. We are suspending operations today.
We apologize for any inconveniences pic.twitter.com/SW0L7LC3od
— Sunshine Village (@SunshineVillage) December 1, 2021
Here’s why ice climbers should carry avalanche gear when in avalanche terrain.
Here’s a list of lightweight avalanche gear ice climbers should carry.
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