Prince George, BC – The Canadian Avalanche Centre is advising of a high risk for avalanches in the mountains in the Northwest Inland region…

Back-country enthusiasts should take note that the avalanche danger rating for alpine areas is high, while the centre is warning there is also considerable risk of avalanches in the treeline and below the treeline.

The centre's forecast summary points out the region has picked up between 5- and 20cm of cold new snow over the last three days.  This follows last weekend's storm which dumped between 10- and 50cm of snow.  In the Smithers area, the ski hill is reporting a base of 89cm, while treeline depths vary between 100- and 180cm.

The recent snow overlies old wind slabs and melt-freeze crusts formed during an early December cold, dry spell, leading to the hazardous conditions.

The centre's advisory says travel in alpine areas is not recommended and careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding, and conservative decision-making is essential in the lower areas.  The situation is expected to improve by Tuesday.  More information is available by clicking here.