Avalanche risk persists in the backcountry this weekend

Even those hikers not venturing far into the Strathcona Park backcountry Friday were surprised how much snow is still covering park trails.

“You could easily fall through and actually one of us did right up to her waist,” said Ray Allen who was hiking with friends in Paradise Meadows near Raven Lodge. “So still lots of snow out there, I wouldn’t be going any higher that’s for sure.”

Roughly 100 cm still covers some of the trails in the park in low-lying areas, with more at higher elevations.

“If you’re not used to being here and you don’t have walking sticks or snowshoes not a good idea,” added Patricia Orr, who was hiking with Allen.

Search and rescue teams are worried about hikers taking conditions too lightly this weekend.

They say with the sun out and conditions seemingly benign, people could ignore avalanche dangers on the slopes right now.

“Especially in the high alpine where there’s lots of snow we’ve got a situation where in the morning the hazard might be low and as the day warms up and the snow warms up the hazard can get extreme,” said Comox Valley Ground SAR’s Gord Thompson.

“We’re looking at cornices that are potentially going to fall and snow packs that are going to slide down so just picture two metres of wet snow coming down as a big avalanche.”

Just last Saturday a solo back country skier was able to call for help on a satellite Inreach device after a series of avalanches on Mount Beecher left her stranded.

“So we’re a situation where you have to be very conservative in your terrain choices and have the training and the tools when you’re out there. Still expect avalanche conditions,” added Thompson.

“CVSAR reminds everyone heading out into the back-country to check conditions before you go, to travel with a partner and as in the case of this experienced backcountry skier take the essentials to keep you warm and dry in the event of becoming delayed or stranded,” added CVGSAR Manager Paul Berry.

Anyone heading out should also consult AdventureSmart for helpful tips and advice.

The hut next to Raven Lodge is run by the Strathcona Wilderness Institute and is always a first stop for hikers heading into Strathcona Park.

It is opening late this year because of the snow and a lack of workers. They hope to open for the July 1 long weekend.

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