It's still winter in the backcountry

It's still winter in the backcountry
Canadian Avalanche Centre has a warning
Shane Bigham Apr 20, 2011 15:35:37 PM
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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - The calendar says spring, but the local mountains are behind the times, so the Canadian Avalanche Centre wants people to be prepared for the conditions if they are planning any long-weekend trips into the backcountry.

Karl Klassen with the Avalanche Centre says winter is about three weeks behind schedule at higher elevations. "Don't think spring right now. Make sure that you're thinking winter. Make sure that you're planning your trips the same way you would in the winter time."

Winter clothing and avalanche gear are necessary, he says. "But more important than all the gear is to remember it's winter, especially in the alpine, so... go to the avalanche centre bulletins, check for the conditions, and then choose terrain that is appropriate for the conditions that exist."

The avalanche centre is extending its forecasting season into May. Klassen says they rarely have to do that.