Avalanche Warning – This special warning applies to most of BC’s and Alberta’s forecast regions and was in effect from Thursday, February 27, 2025 through the end of Monday, March 3, 2025.
Prominent weak layers have developed in the upper snowpack, formed during periods of drought in January and February and buried between 30 and 100 centimetres deep. These layers are made up of a variety of surfaces and may consist of surface hoar, faceted snow, or crusts. Overlying these layers, there is now a consolidated slab of snow, creating dangerous avalanche conditions.
After a season of relatively stable avalanche conditions, we are entering a period of dramatic change and it is important to adapt mindsets to reflect this. Avalanche problems of this nature can be difficult to predict and there may be limited clues about deeper snowpack instabilities, but avalanches triggered on these layers are likely to be dangerous and destructive.
To manage these challenging conditions, it is essential that backcountry users choose conservative terrain and use good travel habits.
• Choose slopes less than 30 degrees in clearings, open trees, and alpine terrain
• Maintain disciplined decision making and remember that danger may not be obvious
• Avoid sun-exposed slopes during warm or sunny conditions
• Move one at a time through avalanche terrain and regroup in safe spots without overhead hazard
Backcountry users should always check the avalanche forecast at www.avalanche.ca. Everyone in a backcountry party needs the essential rescue gear—transceiver, probe, and shovel—and the training to use it.
