Avalanche risk could rise following this week’s storm
Snow blanketing the Lower Mainland is great news for skiers and riders, but those heading into the backcountry should use extra caution, as the snowfall is expected to raise avalanche risk.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the avalanche danger rating for the south coast region, which includes the North Shore Mountains, was low to moderate, or “fairly benign,” said Avalanche Canada public avalanche forecaster Joe Lammers.
However, Lammers said that some mountain areas in the Lower Mainland may see over 50 centimetres of new snow by Friday. The new snow combined with strong winds are expected to promote a new round of avalanche activity.
The rating is expected to be considerable by today, which means dangerous avalanche conditions — natural avalanches are possible and human-triggered ones likely.
A high rating translates to very dangerous avalanche conditions, with large avalanches in many areas or very large avalanches in specific areas.
Lammers said local resorts, such as Grouse Mountain, have professionals overseeing the avalanche hazard.
Grouse has received 31 centimetres of snow in the last week and is expecting more over the next few days. It was snowing hard there on Wednesday.
Julia Grant, the mountain’s communications manager, said throughout the season an avalanche forecaster and team constantly monitor conditions and make sure the runs are safe for skiers and riders.
“They’ll judge the conditions and open and close terrain as needed,” Grant said.
As far as she knows, they have not had to close any terrain due to avalanche hazard.
The hill also has signs discouraging people from going out of bounds, where conditions are not monitored by the ski hill.
While there are safety precautions to be taken while skiing or riding at resorts, Lammers said, it becomes especially important to be prepared when going out of bounds or into the backcountry.
“When you leave the ski resort boundary, at that point you’re not just a skier anymore, you have to think of yourself as a mountaineer. No one is looking out for you and you have to manage the avalanche hazard yourself,” Lammers said.