Authorities in B.C. and Alberta have issued a "Special Public Avalanche Warning" for the next several days, citing an increased risk of dangerous and potentially deadly avalanches.
The warning is in effect “immediately” and applies to most of Avalanche Canada’s forecast regions in B.C. and Alberta, according to the national agency, which issued the warning in partnership with Parks Canada, Alberta Parks and the B.C. provincial government.
The warning is scheduled to remain in place through the end of the day on Monday, March 3.
Avalanche Canada said the warning is the result of “a cohesive slab of snow” 30 to 100 centimetres thick, which is sitting over “a variety of prominent weak layers in the upper snowpack that formed during dry periods in January and February.”
The situation has led to “a reactive avalanche problem” that has led to serious incidents and close calls, according to Avalanche Canada.
“We’ve been tracking these weak layers closely over this past month,” said Avalanche Canada forecaster Zoe Ryan, in a statement announcing the warning.
“Now that the snow on top of them has consolidated, it’s a recipe for dangerous avalanches. These highly problematic layers remain primed for human triggering. We know backcountry users are eager to enjoy the snow, but this is a tricky avalanche problem. The snowpack is going to take time to strengthen. Good travel habits and selecting conservative terrain will be critical because getting caught in one of these avalanches could be deadly.”
The warning applies throughout B.C. and western Alberta, with the exception of parts of the South Coast and Vancouver Island.
Whistler-Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America, is located within the warning area. On Wednesday, it said on social media that Blackcomb Glacier had been closed due to avalanche risk. The Lakeside area is also closed, the resort said.
#WBOps Blackcomb Glacier is CLOSED due to avalanche risk.
— Whistler Blackcomb Operations (@wbmtnops) February 26, 2025
Avalanche Canada recommends backcountry users stick to lower-angle slopes, meaning those less than 30 degrees. It also recommends choosing terrain that minimizes the consequences of an avalanche, travelling one at a time in avalanche terrain, and avoiding sun-exposed slopes during warm or sunny conditions.
“Avalanche conditions across B.C. are especially dangerous, and I strongly urge people to stay alert and be extra careful,” said Kelly Greene, B.C.‘s minister of emergency management and climate readiness, in the Avalanche Canada statement.
“The weather is starting to warm, and that will bring more people to the mountains. Avalanches can have devastating consequences and, tragically, have claimed the lives of two people in B.C. this year. I urge everyone to check the avalanche forecast before heading out, make cautious decisions, and consider delaying their trip to the mountains until conditions are safer.”
Avalanche Canada says backcountry users should always check its forecast at avalanche.ca before heading out, and everyone in a backcountry group must carry essential rescue gear – including an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel – and be trained in how to use it.
