High avalanche danger rating in Rocky Mountains

Officials are asking people to stay out of the backcountry in the Rocky Mountains this weekend.

On Thursday, March 13, 2024, Avalanche Canada said the avalanche danger rating at all elevations in most regions of B.C. was “high”. This also applies to Waterton, Banff, and Jasper National Parks in Alberta.

They explained that the “significant change of weather” in recent weeks has lead to instabilities in the mountain snowpacks, which has created the potential for large and dangerous avalanches.

The organization recommends that those planning to head to B.C. or southern Alberta’s national parks choose activities and routes that do not require exposure to avalanche terrain. In particular, avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin, as well as moist or wet snow surfaces.