A widespread avalanche warning is now in effect for Alberta and British Columbia, including Kananaskis Country and the Banff and Jasper national parks.

It's expected to last through the weekend.

The warning applies to the following forecast regions:

  • North Rockies
  • Cariboos
  • Jasper National Park
  • Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks
  • Kananaskis Country
  • South Rockies
  • Lizard and Flathead
  • Waterton Lakes National Park

Increasing temperatures and persistent weak layers in the snowpack across these areas are expected to have a destabilizing effect that could make natural and human-triggered avalanches much more likely.

Backcountry users and anyone recreating in avalanche terrain are advised to exercise caution and to always check their regional avalanche forecasts available here.

Everyone in a backcountry party needs to have the essential rescue gear – transceiver, probe, and shovel – and the knowledge to use it.