February 28, 2025: With warmer beautiful weather setting in across British Columbia, many outdoor enthusiasts may be tempted to head into the backcountry to shake off the winter blues. However, Avalanche Canada has issued a Special Public Avalanche Warning (SPAW) for much of western Canada, urging extreme caution due to dangerous and unstable snow conditions.
Unstable Snowpack and Increasing Risk
Avalanche experts warn that a persistent slab problem is creating a highly unpredictable and volatile snowpack. The combination of warm temperatures and strong sunshine will further weaken already unstable layers, increasing the likelihood of avalanches, especially in alpine and treeline elevations.
"We are seeing a troubling pattern of wide propagation and remote triggers in recent avalanches," says Ryan Buhler, Forecast Program Manager at Avalanche Canada. "These characteristics make for a complex and dangerous situation."
Where and When?
The warning was issued Friday February 28th and covers a vast portion of B.C.'s mountainous regions. The avalanche danger rating for Saturday is high (level 4) in alpine and treeline areas and considerable (level 3) below treeline. Conditions will gradually improve by Monday, but hazards remain present.
Avalanche Problems at a Glance
Persistent Slabs: Weak layers buried within the snowpack remain primed for human-triggered avalanches.
Wind Slabs: Southwesterly winds have created unstable slabs on leeward slopes, particularly at alpine and treeline elevations.
Wet Loose Avalanches: With rising temperatures and strong sun, wet avalanches are expected across all elevations and aspects.
Recent Avalanche Activity
Several large avalanches, including a 600-meter-wide natural slide near Pemberton, have been reported in the past week. Multiple remotely triggered avalanches, some from more than 75 meters away, highlight the unpredictable nature of current conditions.
Backcountry Safety Tips
Avalanche Canada urges all backcountry users to dial it back and make conservative choices. Here’s what you can do to stay safe:
Avoid exposure to overhead hazards, especially as the sun heats slopes throughout the day.
Stay out of avalanche terrain and avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees.
Watch for other groups and maintain a wide margin for safety.
Travel in safe terrain, using ridges, forested areas, and lower-angle slopes.
Check avalanche forecasts and carry proper safety gear, including a transceiver, probe, and shovel.
Bottom Line
The current avalanche conditions are serious and not worth the risk. While the sunshine may be inviting, backcountry travelers are urged to prioritize safety and avoid unnecessary exposure to hazardous terrain. The mountains will always be there—it's important to ensure you are too.
For the latest avalanche forecasts, visit avalanche.ca.
Avalanche Danger High in B.C. Use Extreme Caution
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