Avalanches certain say experts, as Pineapple Express sweeps across B.C.

VANCOUVER – Backcountry enthusiasts are being warned to stay home this weekend as the avalanche risk hits extreme in some parts of the province, for the first time this winter.

The Canadian Avalanche Centre says natural and human-triggered avalanches are certain in the Sea-to-Sky area, as well as the North and South Columbia regions, covering a huge section of B.C.’s southern and southeastern interior.

A high-risk rating is in effect in all other areas as the Pineapple Express, a blast of warm air from the sub-tropics, raises temperatures and dumps rain on recent heavy snow, creating unstable conditions.

According to the avalanche centre, the risk won’t begin to dip until Sunday.

Three people have died in avalanches in B.C. over the current avalanche season.

The first death occurred in October in northwestern B.C., but the two most recent fatalities happened last week, in separate incidents involving skiers on southeastern B.C. mountains.