Springtime brings avalanche risks. Photo by Stephen Strand
Snowpack in mountain range west of Calgary is undergoing a big spring change, prompting advise for hikers from Avalanche Canada.
The mountain range from Mount Murchison in the north to Mist Mountain in the south is under Spring Conditions.
With the Spring Conditions, Avalanche Canada recommends people to watch for alpine wind slabs and loose wet avalanches in the afternoon.
In the region directly west of Bragg Creek and Diamond Valley, there are freezing levels to above mountain top, with minimal to no overnight crust recovery.
It is being advised to give the snowpack time to adjust and transition to spring conditions.
During this time of year, rocks will heat up during the daytime and could become trigger points for loose, wet avalanches.
When overnight freezing doesn’t occur, triggering deep layers if more likely to occur.
If hiking out in the mountains this time of year, Avalanche Canada suggests backing off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures, and keep in mind that the high density of wet avalanches can make them destructive.
Also, moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are indicators of weakening snowpack.
The mountain range from Mist Mountain in the north to Mount Glendowan in the south is experiencing a Considerable Risk of avalanches occurring.
In this area, high freezing levels and the sun will lead to dangerous avalanche conditions, and conditions will deteriorate sooner than expected if a strong crust does not form overnight.
To check for avalanche risks before heading out hiking, click here.
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