Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, and Jasper National Parks, and Kananaskis Country are all under a Special Public Avalanche Warning until the end of day on Monday, March 24, as ercent storm snow overlying a weak snowpack structure has produced multiple large avalanches over the past few weeks.
According to the warning from Avalanche Canada, several serious avalanche incidents have occurred in the past two weeks, two of which were fatal. Avalanches have propagated widely, even through forested areas, possibly involving the entire depth of the snowpack. While natural avalanche activity is slowing down, the snowpack is still ripe for human-triggered slides.
“These avalanches could be triggered remotely, meaning they could be initiated from a distance. Warming, sun, and stormy weather will all increase the likelihood of triggering an avalanche.” – Avalanche Canada
Backcountry recreationists need to remain alert to the dangerous avalanche conditions, staying highly aware even as natural avalanche activity declines. Backcountry users should choose low-angle terrain without overhead hazard or terrain traps, as avalanches on this layer may run far. Slopes that already have tracks should not be considered safe, as these slides can be triggered unpredictably.
