Weak snowpack results in special avalanche warning for B.C. northwest

REVELSTOKE, B.C. – Concerns over a weak snowpack have resulted in a special avalanche warning for B.C.’s northwest coast and inland regions.

The Canadian Avalanche Centre says the warning applies to the Terrace and Stewart areas on the coast and the inland communities of Hazelton and Smithers.

Ilya Storm of the avalanche centre says the snowpack in the region has an uncharacteristic weak layer and avalanches could be triggered by the weight of a skier or snowmobiler.

He says the slides could happen on low-angle terrain and be surprisingly large.

The centre says the warning extends through the weekend and it’s urging backcountry users to exercise extra caution.