Squamish backcountry enthusiasts should take note — Avalanche Canada is issuing a special public avalanche warning.
The notice is effective immediately and will be in place until Feb. 24.
It applies to the province’s South Coast area and Vancouver Island.
The agency says the key danger is a weak layer in the snowpack that is currently buried about 50 cm deep.
The next storm forecast for Friday is expected to bring another 10 to 15 centimetres of snow, before clearing for the weekend, Avalanche Canada says. The weak layer will remain fairly easy to trigger and with the added snow on top, the resulting avalanches could be deadly.
“We do not expect the snow to stabilize after the storm, which is unusual for the coastal mountains,” said James Floyer, warning program supervisor for Avalanche Canada in a news release.
“Human-triggered avalanches will be likely over the weekend, especially on steeper terrain. The clearing skies and fresh snow will be very inviting but we are urging backcountry users to be extra cautious during this period.”
The organization has provided video demonstrations on how easy it can be to trigger an avalanche.
One features an extended column test and another shows a propagation saw test.
