A strong winter storm is forecast to affect many parts of B.C. from Friday through to Sunday.

Avalanche Canada is receiving a $10-million contribution from the B.C. government to support its vital work in developing and delivering avalanche safety and awareness for the province’s mountainous regions.

British Columbia’s ground search and rescue (GSAR) groups have just wrapped up the busiest year in B.C. GSAR history.

As winter settles in and calls for search and rescue continue to rise, people are urged to plan and prepare before heading into B.C.’s backcountry.

No one expects to have to make a call for help when out on a B.C. backcountry adventure but, unfortunately, it happens all the time.

As this winter has been unusually snowy, outdoor enthusiasts, such as hikers, skiers, snowshoers, snowboarders and snowmobilists, are urged to check the avalanche forecast before venturing into remote areas at: www.avalanche.ca

A series of winter storms since the start of the year have created a complex snowpack in many of British Columbia’s backcountry recreation areas.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and Minister Responsible for Emergency Preparedness, has issued the following statement on backcountry recreation safety:

MLA for Shuswap Greg Kyllo announced $800,000 in funding to improve flood protection in the Township of Spallumcheen on behalf of Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness Naomi Yamamoto.