Prince George, B.C. – Avalanche Canada,  along with Parks Canada , has issued a warning for  snowmobilers to  stay  clear  of  the backcountry this weekend as there is a  high risk of avalanches.

The warning applies to the North Rockies region as well  as Jasper , Banff, Yoho, Kootenay,  Kananaskis Country, as well as the Purcells region.

(At right, map shows  areas covered by warning in red)

The main issue is a deeply buried weak layer that has recently produced large human-triggered and natural avalanches. While not obvious to the eye, large human triggered avalanches are possible, as are naturally occurring avalanches with triggers such as cornices or daytime warming.

“Backcountry users without experience or training in avalanche safety and terrain recognition should avoid avalanche terrain this weekend. For those with experience and avalanche safety training, be extremely cautious in areas with thin snowpack, and limit your exposure by avoiding large slopes” reads the warning,   which  reminds snowmobilers that avalanches can be triggered from a distance.

The warning advises back country enthusiasts to “avoid slopes threatened by cornices. Pay particular attention to where your group stops to group up and ride in avalanche terrain one at a time.”

The warning is in effect from March 25 to March 28.