VICTORIA -There's plenty of snow in B.C.'s backcountry and outdoor enthusiasts are being reminded about the importance of staying safe.

Avalanche Awareness Days run Jan. 19-20, and provide an excellent opportunity for outdoor adventurers to learn how to be prepared before heading into the backcountry.

Here are some valuable tips:

• Sign up for an avalanche skills training course - a list of instructors and courses can be found at: www.avalanche.ca/training
• Plan ahead - before you head outdoors be sure to leave a trip plan with someone and stick to that plan. For a printable copy of a trip plan visit: www.adventuresmart.ca/trip_safety/planning.htm
• Having the proper equipment is essential - ensure it's in working order and practise with it before heading into the backcountry. More information on safety equipment is available at: www.youtube.com/user/emergencyinfobc
• Winter conditions in B.C.'s backcountry can change rapidly. Get the most recent bulletin and weather forecasts at: www.avalanche.ca/cac/bulletins/latest

Government is committed to ensuring that those who venture into B.C.'s backcountry understand the risks and take all necessary precautions. But it's also important that all outdoor recreation enthusiasts recognize they are taking some measure of personal risk when choosing to do so.

Every year approximately 14 people across Canada die in avalanches and of those, about 80 per cent happen in B.C. That's why Avalanche Awareness Days provide a great opportunity to learn about safety in the backcountry from top technical experts. Events are planned for both days at numerous locations around the province including Garibaldi Provincial Park and Mount Seymour Provincial Park.

Quick facts:

• The B.C. government has provided the Canadian Avalanche Centre with a total of $1,490,000 since 2001.
• This has enabled the Centre to enhance the public avalanche warning service - bulletins are now issued every day in most regions and include region-specific information, improving safety for all backcountry users.
• The Canadian Avalanche Centre also received $250,000 in provincial gaming grants for this year, which will enhance public outreach and awareness programs along with public avalanche warning services.

Learn more:

For more information on events during Avalanche Awareness Days, check out: www.avalanche.ca/cac/events/avalanche-awareness-days/community-listing

Avalanche information from Emergency Management BC is available at: embc.gov.bc.ca/em/hazard_preparedness/Avalanche_Information.html

Avalanche Awareness Days information for Mount Seymour Provincial Park and Garibaldi Provincial Park can be found at:

www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/mt_seymour/

www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/garibaldi/

For backcountry essentials and avalanche awareness information go to: www.adventuresmart.ca/snow/avalanche.htm

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961