BC Backcountry Riders: Stay Safe in Tricky Conditions

On February 28th, Avalanche Canada issued a Special Public Avalanche Warning (SPAW) due to several concerning factors. A prolonged cold snap created ideal conditions for a weak layer of facets to develop in the snowpack. Strong winds during and after the cold spell built reactive wind slabs on top of this weak layer, leading to widespread propagation and several large avalanches across BC's interior.

With the SPAW ending on March 7th, dangerous conditions may persist. While some areas will see decreasing avalanche danger, buried weak layers remain a serious risk, especially where stormy weather increases instability. Many regions are entering a phase where triggering an avalanche is less likely, but the consequences could still be severe. These weak layers take time to stabilize, so continued caution is essential.

Stay alert for warning signs like recent avalanches, whumpfs, or shooting cracks. As weak layers get buried deeper, these red flags may become less obvious, making it crucial to stay patient and avoid risky terrain. Use terrain to your advantage—avoid traps like thin, rocky areas, convex features, and overhead hazards such as cornices. Remotely triggered avalanches have been running farther than expected, even reaching low-angle terrain.

Recent snowfall has bonded well at treeline and below, thanks to warmer temperatures, but conditions become more complex at higher elevations. The alpine remains more reactive, with wind slabs still sitting on the February facets, creating a tricky snowpack. With temperatures returning to seasonal norms, lower elevations will develop crusty, less desirable riding conditions, while the alpine will offer better snow quality—but also more significant hazards. The faceted layer, buried 40 to 70 cm deep in some areas, has also developed a surface hoar layer, further increasing instability. While the best riding may be found in the alpine, it demands extra caution and careful decision-making.

We’re all hoping for a deep March snow cycle. Maybe it’s time to sacrifice those old rock skis or snowboards in an offering to Ullr, the Norse god of snow, skiing (sadly, snowboarding wasn’t a thing back then), and winter. Ride safe, have fun, and recreate responsibly.

Brad Harrison
Executive Director, BLBCA
ed@blbca.com

KORE – Kootenay’s Entrepreneurs

Imagine if we could make more gear here, such as outdoor gear. That’s the premise of KORE (Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise Initiative). Launched in early 2021, this Kimberley-based non-profit aims to support the growth of Kootenays and BC as a hub of outdoor gear design and boutique manufacturing.

“We knew there were people out there doing interesting things, but we were blown away by how many,” says KORE’s project manager, Kevin Pennock.

After shaking the trees, Pennock discovered more than 30 ski shapers, design engineers, apparel specialists and other entrepreneurs in the outdoor gear sector, many of whom were unaware of each other’s existence. People like Nelson’s Cam Shute, an engineer and former head of design at G3, Nelson clothing designer Carolyn Campos, Northern Teardrop Trailers, a company of two that manufactures roughly 30 ultralight camping trailers each year out of a shop in Salmo, and PJ Hunton, senior design engineer for Norco Bicycles who works remotely from Kimberley, to name just a few.

KORE is the fruit of several years of back-of-the-napkin brainstorming between Pennock and the American-born Matt Mosteller, Senior VP of marketing, sales and resort experience for Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.

It’s the kind of success story KORE wants to see repeated in small-town BC.
Check out the KORE website below.

Mountain Escapes Podcast Returns

Join us for an exciting new episode as Brad sits down with Glen Crawford, owner/partner of Campbell Icefield Chalet, a stunning BLBCA member lodge tucked deep in the Rocky Mountains near Golden, BC. Discover the incredible journey of dismantling, helicoptering, and rebuilding this remote retreat—piece by piece—high in the BC mountains.

Glen and his wife, Louise, recently took over the reins from the legendary ⁠Bernie Schiesser.⁠ What is it like to take over a backcountry lodge? If you prefer a self-guided, self-catered adventure, this is one of the prime locations to check out.

Plus, hear about Glen’s epic career in video and photography.

🔥 If you crave adventure, this episode is a must-listen! Hit play now. #myBCbackcountry #unpluginBC #BLBCA

Benefits of Joining the BLBCA

We have revamped our membership program; check out the new opportunities. We need you, and generations of adventurers to follow, to join us. Supporting the BLBCA is the perfect way for you to help us address a number of long-standing challenges.

The BLBCA encourages responsible recreation on BC’s inimitable land and water on behalf of visitors and backcountry travellers just like you. Utilizing the strength of our diverse network of lodge operators, we inform decision-makers on the socio-economic benefit backcountry recreation provides residents and visitors alike.

Share your backcountry adventures, tag photos with:
#myBCbackcountry | #exploreBC

Our members operate in many First Nations' traditional and unceded territories, including the Ktunaxa, Secwepemc, Syilx, and Stoney Nakoda Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in these territories and recognize that these are special places.