Avalanche conditions in the Purcells, Kootenay Boundary, South Columbia, South Rockies and beyond are listed as high for the foreseeable future according to the Canadian Avalanche Centre.
A high rating means very dangerous conditions and travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Natural avalanches are likely; human-triggered avalanches very likely. There is a possibility of large avalanches in many areas; or very large avalanches in specific areas.
With backcountry recreation enthusiasts advised to stay out of the high country until conditions stabilize, now may be a good time to brush up on avalanche risks, rescue and equipment.
This Saturday, January 12, 2013, Kimberley Search and Rescue will be at the Kimberley Alpine Resort from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to bring the latest avalanche education to the public.
They will have their snow cat and command vehicle on the scene as well as avalanche rescue and analysis equipment. There will be a variety of transceivers and a Recco device to demo. Top of the hill there will be a snow pit with examples of different layers in the snow pack and a demonstration of compression tests, probing and shovel techniques.