BC Government News Release: Government of BC Advises on Avalanche Risk and Urges Extreme Caution in Backcountry

BC Government Release below:

The Province is urging people to be prepared and extremely cautious in the backcountry, with continued high and considerable avalanche risk forecast in many areas of B.C.

“Being caught in an avalanche is a life-threatening situation that has already claimed five lives in British Columbia this year,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “Avalanche Canada continues to forecast dangerous snowpack and we’re urging everyone to exercise heightened levels of caution and vigilance in the backcountry this season. This year’s snowpack is being compared to 2003, which was one of the worst years for avalanche fatalities. Please check the avalanche forecast and follow any guidance from Avalanche Canada to stay safe.”

Avalanche Canada continues to monitor a deep, persistent slab avalanche problem for many regions. This is causing very dangerous and highly unpredictable avalanche conditions. Avalanche Canada continues to encourage people to stay away from steep slopes and terrain, and to check: https://www.avalanche.ca – for avalanche conditions for forecasts.

Read the full release from the BC Government here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023EMCR0001-000083

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
Media Relations
250 880-6430

Avalanche Canada
Media Relations
Communications@avalanche.ca
250 837-8106