A map of the avalanche danger ratings in B.C. and parts of western Alberta on Friday, December 20th. (Supplied by Avalanche Canada)

By David Opinko

High avalanche risk in Waterton and most of B.C.’s Rocky Mountains

Dec 20, 2019 | 3:06 PM

WATERTON, AB – If you were planning on heading into the mountains to kick off Christmas week, Avalanche Canada and Parks Canada say to stay out of the backcountry.

Most of the regions Avalanche Canada monitors in B.C. have high or considerable avalanche danger ratings at all elevations, as does Parks Canada, which manages Waterton Lakes National Park.

In Waterton, there is a high risk of snow slides as both the treeline and alpine elevations, while it is one level below that underneath the treeline.

“An incoming storm will bring extreme southwest winds, warm temperatures and heavy precipitation peaking on Friday,” reads the report from Avalanche Canada. “Freezing levels are somewhat uncertain but will likely be between 1700m and 2000m, bringing rain to the valley bottoms. Precipitation amounts will vary across the park, with some models calling for upwards of 70cm at Akamina Pass.”

So far, there has not been any recent natural avalanche activity in the national park, “but this will change rapidly with the incoming precipitation and wind.”

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When the avalanche danger rating is “high”, officials do not recommend travels and say that natural avalanches are likely and ones caused by humans are “very likely”.

The risk of snow slides is expected to calm down somewhat by Sunday.

You can view the interactive map from Avalanche Canada for more details.