Summary:

• Avalanche risk in the mountains can change quickly and throughout the day depending on weather
• Making informed decisions, having the proper training and equipment and choosing appropriate terrain can save lives
• Avalanche Canada provides daily forecasts, safety guidance, training resources and tools to help keep people safe

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People planning to explore the backcountry this winter are encouraged to be mindful of hazards, have a plan and stay informed about avalanche safety.

“Venturing into B.C.’s mountains during the winter, whether for hiking or backcountry skiing, comes with avalanche risks,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “Having a plan, staying informed and having the proper equipment and training is essential to enjoying the mountains safely. Before heading out, I urge everyone to check Avalanche Canada’s avalanche forecast and take steps to keep yourself and others safe.”

Avalanche forecasting

Avalanche Canada provides daily avalanche forecasts and may issue special public avalanche warnings when conditions are particularly difficult to manage. These resources help people make informed decisions and reduce risk.

When planning a trip, it’s important to monitor avalanche and weather conditions closely, starting at least one week before leaving and continuing to check for changes. Avalanche forecasts are available on the Avalanche Canada mobile app, which can be found on App Store and Google Play, and on the website: https://avalanche.ca/map

“If you’re planning to be in avalanche terrain, it’s crucial that you have avalanche training, carry a transceiver, shovel and probe, and that you check and understand the avalanche forecast at avalanche.ca website before heading out,” said Ryan Buhler, forecast program manager, Avalanche Canada. “The forecast gives you the current danger rating on a five-point scale, along with a sense of where things are headed over the next couple of days. It also highlights where the hazard exists and offers practical advice on what terrain to steer clear of, or seek out, given the conditions.”

The best way to avoid being caught in an avalanche is to avoid terrain that’s likely to avalanche. That starts with education and knowing how to recognize avalanche terrain. It’s important that if you or members of your group are caught in an avalanche, or you need to rescue another group, you have the essential avalanche rescue gear and know how to use it. Being prepared can save lives.

In addition to checking the avalanche forecast, people are urged to frequently review Environment and Climate Change Canada website for weather forecasts and special weather statements in the days leading to their trip. Weather updates can be found here: https://weather.gc.ca

In 2021, the Province provided a $10-million grant to assist Avalanche Canada to continue its work in keeping people in British Columbia safe, including monitoring avalanche risk and providing public safety information. This grant is in addition to annual funding provided by the Province to support issuing special public avalanche warnings in B.C. by Avalanche Canada.

Be prepared before you explore

• Each person travelling in a group needs their own avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe and the training to know how to use these essential tools.
  • More information about essential and recommended gear can be found here: https://www.avalanche.ca/gear
• Everyone in avalanche terrain should have avalanche safety training to manage the risks. Avalanche Canada training courses cover how avalanches form, what avalanche terrain looks like and how to perform a rescue using avalanche safety gear.
• Always tell someone where you are going and when you’ll be back. 
• It’s important to know if your planned route travels through or under avalanche terrain. For information about trip plans, visit: https://adventuresmart.ca

Staying safe while in the backcountry

• Be careful when in avalanche terrain. Be diligent about terrain choices. Adapt your plan to reduce exposure to avalanche terrain when conditions call for it.
• Follow disciplined group decision-making, ensuring that each group member is engaged in terrain selection.
• Travel one at a time, regroup in safe spots and be aware of overhead hazards when exposed to avalanche terrain.
• Avoid exposure to terrain traps, such as gullies, cliffs and trees, to reduce the risks of being caught in an avalanche.
• Be aware that some avalanches can be large and may run their full path, especially in the spring or at times where weak layers are buried deeply.

Quick Facts:

• Due to B.C.’s vast mountainous terrain, approximately 85% of Avalanche Canada’s services are delivered in this province.
• Nearly 80% of all Canadian avalanche fatalities over the past 10 years have been in B.C.

Learn More:

• For the latest avalanche forecasts, visit: https://www.avalanche.ca
• Avalanche Training courses can be found here: https://avalanche.ca/training
• For PreparedBC’s avalanche safety guidance, visit: https://PreparedBC.ca/avalanches
• For tips about driving and travelling in an avalanche area, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/traveller-information/seasonal/winter-driving/avalanche