This Is Avalanche Awareness Weekend

By 250 News

Prince  George, B.C.-   In recognition of Avalanche Awareness Days (Jan. 8-10) as  well as the current, high risk of avalanches in many parts of B.C., backcountry users are being warned to exercise more caution when engaged in outdoor activities.

Tragically, avalanches claimed 24 lives in B.C. in 2009, including eight snowmobilers in one incident near Fernie.

Unprepared or inexperienced skiers, hikers and snowmobilers face significant danger in many regions. Key precautions for all backcountry users in the province's mountainous areas include:

* Take the weather, route and avalanche forecast conditions into account and plan appropriately.
* Have the right equipment with you, practise with your equipment and check conditions before heading out into the backcountry.
* Before you head outdoors, be sure to leave a trip plan with a responsible individual and stick to it.
* Learn about avalanche safety and risks, and get the most recent bulletin and weather forecast at www.avalanche.ca online.
* Take the conditions into account and plan appropriately.

Email | Print | Facebook | Twitter | Digg | Del.icio.us