Elkford Search and Rescue (ESAR) is warning backcountry recreationalists to be wary of the potential for avalanches.

“The mountains are absolutely flexing right now and the snowpack is questionable,” ESAR stated on social media.

“Avalanche Canada is flagging a deep persistent weak layer in the Elkford area consisting of a prominent crust with about 10 cm of facets on top, buried 120 to 180 cm deep in terrain above 1,800 m.

“If that layer gets triggered, the consequences would be very severe. On top of that, recent snowfall and wind have been building reactive wind slabs at upper elevations, so the snowpack is not the place you push your luck this weekend.”

ESAR advises If you are heading out, your pack should include at minimum:

Transceiver;

Shovel;

Probe;

Extra layers and food;

Emergency shelter;

Navigation tools;

A charged phone or InReach;

And a plan that includes more than just “send it.”

Before you even start the truck, check the full avalanche forecast at https://avalanche.ca/map and the local weather for your zone. Conditions change fast and yesterday’s good decision does not automatically renew, ESAR said.

“When the snowpack is feeling spicy, the smart move is conservative terrain. Avoid steep wind loaded slopes, move one at a time through exposed areas, communicate clearly with your group, and pay attention when the snow starts giving you red flags instead of compliments.

“Go chase the views and the turns. Leave the sketch behind. Don’t be afraid to tell your group “nope, not today.” Ride safe, laugh hard, make memories your knees will complain about, and make decisions that get you back into town with big smiles, full hearts, and zero phone calls to explain why you pushed it too far.”

Elkford Search and Rescue photo

e-KNOW

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