In light of the snowy, wet weekend, Avalanche Canada is reminding residents and backcountry users the special public avalanche warning remains in effect for the central Columbia Mountains.
Avalanche Canada initially issued the warning on Dec. 11 and the advisory will continue until the end of today (Dec. 14).
The warning applies to the central Columbia Mountains, and includes portions of the Kootenay-Boundary, South Columbia, North Columbia, and Cariboos.
Apparently the danger level has come down since originally issued; however, large human triggered avalanches are still a possibility moving into the week.
Experts are concerned about the mountainous terrain that lies just north of the border between Penticton, Nelson, and Cranbrook, as well as south of the border between Williams Lake and Valemount.
In addition, the west boundary is Highway 97 between Penticton and Williams Lake, while the east boundary is the Columbia and North Thompson rivers.
“The main concern is low-elevation, open terrain such as cut-blocks,” said Karl Klassen, Avalanche Canada’s Public Avalanche Warning Service Manager.
“This situation is a bit unusual. These areas below tree line are often considered as safe playgrounds. But with this current condition, we have had many reports of unexpected avalanches that are definitely large enough to cause injury or death.”
Avalanche Canada is recommending that individuals avoid steep slopes of any size between 1,400 and 1,800 metres in elevation.
Residents are also advised that the avalanche warning may roll over into this week, due to recent storms and high winds.
Lastly, backcountry users are reminded to wear an avalanche transceiver in transmit mode, and to carry a probe and shovel in their pack.
According to Environment Canada, Kamloops will see a mix of sun and cloud on Monday, with strong winds gusting at around 20 kilometres per hour. The temperature will sit at around 4 C degrees, and on Tuesday, residents can expect a bit of snow.
