Avalanche Canada has a warning for back country adventurers
Posted January 7, 2017 9:14 am.
Last Updated January 7, 2017 9:20 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The colder weather may tempt some people to enjoy the snow by heading up to the mountains for skiing or snowboarding.
Avalanche Canada has some warnings for anyone going out.
Simon Horton is with Avalanche Canada. He says the cold weather hardens parts of the snowpack.
“With this cold snow, it’s quite a bit weaker than warm snow. When you get warm snow, you’ll find its somewhat sticky and snow piles up over time, all the snow sticks together. It makes for better avalanche conditions.”
Horton says the cold snow doesn’t stick together well, increasing the risk.
“It’s really important to have the equipment in your own group because time becomes essential if someone’s caught. You want to be able to rescue them yourself.”
He says there are three key pieces of equipment you’ll want to carry: a transceiver, a probe, and a shovel.
If you are heading out, Horton says be sure to check conditions beforehand.
