Prince George, B.C.- Avalanche Canada has issued a special public avalanche warning for  recreational backcountry users for the  long weekend.

Areas affected are:

• Kananaskis Country and Waterton Lakes National Park,
• Avalanche Canada’s South Rockies and Lizard and Flathead regions.
• The southern part of the Purcells region and
• the eastern part of the Kootenay Boundary region are also included.

Although this warning applies to the regions listed above, recreational users are advised to exercise caution as potentially hazardous conditions exist in a number of areas throughout BC and Alberta

Avalanche Canada says  the recent storm  that has hit much of the southern  half of the province has  doubled the depth of the  snowpack,  while winds have  created “dense slabs that lie on a weak base of sugary facetted snow.”

More snow, wind, and warming temperatures are expected in the coming days before the weather breaks on the weekend.

“Clearing skies and good riding conditions after a long drought are expected to entice people into the mountains,” explains James Floyer, Forecasting Program Supervisor for Avalanche Canada. “While natural avalanches are tapering off, we’re concerned that human triggering of large avalanches remains possible throughout the weekend.”

Avalanche Canada, Kananaskis Country, and Parks Canada recommend recreational backcountry users with little or no avalanche training or experience avoid avalanche terrain, or undertake activities in which avalanche risk is managed by professionals.

Experienced backcountry recreationists are urged to travel on simple terrain such as small, low angle, well-supported features with no large steep slopes or cornices above.

Before travelling in the backcountry check www.avalanche.ca  for current avalanche information.