Spring is coming...
Every year around this time we start to think about the impacts of warming on the snowpack. The first major warm-up can pack a punch, especially when we have deep persistent weak layers like the ones that currently exist throughout western Canada. Even if it doesn’t feel warm, remember that sunshine can wreak havoc on snow stability. Just 30 minutes of sun at this time of year can have a significant effect on the snowpack. Spring is also a time when many people seek out bigger lines, which leads to more exposure. With blue skies and longer days, more people are spending more time in avalanche terrain. All told, this can be a dangerous mix. When you head out, continue to maintain good travel habits, keep checking the forecasts, be mindful of warming temperatures, and enjoy the bluebird days.
We will continue publishing daily avalanche forecasts for western Canada until late April. Our last weekend Newfoundland forecast will be issued on April 8.
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In this issue:
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Step into Spring Prize Draw
BOLD Backcountry Grant
Avalanche.ca User Survey
SnowCrow Riders Annual Poker Run
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Recent Outreach Events
Final Webinar
AvCan Caps
Partner Profile: MEC
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Step into Spring and Win a Ski Touring Setup
The Avalanche Canada Foundation’s new Step into Spring fundraiser is happening right now and runs until March 27. The Step into Spring fundraiser includes a prize draw for a brand new Black Diamond ski touring setup. Tickets are $20 and only 500 tickets are available. All proceeds from Step into Spring will help support Avalanche Canada’s programs and services. Thank you to Henry Sports Group in Calgary and Black Diamond for donating the fantastic prizes for this fundraiser.
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BOLD Backcountry Grant
We're very excited to share the BOLD backcountry grant, created by our youth ambassador, Alana Norie. This grant supports access to the backcountry for a person who identifies as part of the 2sLGBTQIA+ community by supplying avalanche safety gear, a backpack, and an AST 1 training course. Applications are due on March 19. Learn more about the BOLD grant and apply here.
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Avalanche.ca User Survey
We are constantly working to update and improve the user experience on our website and we want to hear from you. We are conducting an online survey that focuses on the usability of the avalanche.ca website. The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and will close on April 3. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
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CrowSnowRiders Annual Poker Run
The CrowSnow Riders, based in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, donated $2,000 from their annual Poker Run to Avalanche Canada. The event attracted more than 300 riders from Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. The donation came from the proceeds of their raffle and will support our South Rockies field team. Thank you to CrowSnow Riders for your ongoing support; we greatly appreciate it.
The CrowSnow Riders' Poker Run was a family affair, with the youngest attendee just 18 months old. Photo courtesy of CrowSnow Riders.
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Recent Outreach Events
Our Vancouver Island field team attended Snowarama 2023 recently. Hosted by the North Island Snowmobile Association, the event was a chance to engage with an enthusiastic audience. More than 130 people attended the event. Our field team ran a transceiver practice station for participants of all ages.
Our Vancouver Island field team also participated in the Mt. Cain Backcountry Festival. The field team presented a morning meeting about their work on Vancouver Island and services available at avalanche.ca. They also answered questions about backcountry travel and coordinated transceiver rescue practice scenarios. Photos by Colin Garritty.
Our South Rockies field team participated in Fernie's winter festival Griz Days in early March. The team joined the parade, met with community members, and answered questions about avalanche safety. Check out the Instagram post here.
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“At the Mt. Cain Backcountry Fest, we met a great mix of people from the Island who wanted to improve their efficiency with their own gear, people who hadn't practiced with their essential gear in many years, and people who were just starting their avalanche safety journey. We are already looking forward to next year’s event.” - Karina Bakker, Vancouver Island field team member
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Final Webinar Coming Up
We have one more webinar in our 2022-23 webinar series. On Thursday, March 30 Yukon field team member Drew Nylen will discuss how lengthening days and warming temperatures affect backcountry travel. Register here.
We’ve hosted ten webinars so far this season and explored topics like trip planning, choosing terrain for skiers and sledders, the Ice Climbing Atlas, and ideas for next steps after completing AST 1. If you missed a webinar, you can always watch the recording here. Thank you to everyone who attended and our sponsors for their support in making this informative series happen.
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AvCan Caps
Avalanche Canada hats are back in stock. We’ve got colours and models for everyone. Check out the AvCan store to purchase yours today.
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Partner Profile: MEC
Program partner Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) has been a long-time supporter and sponsor of Avalanche Canada. MEC supports our Avalanche Canada Training programs and partners with us on the MEC Avalanche Safety Grant, which provides Avalanche Canada Training courses to organizations serving IBPOC (Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour) communities. Thank you, MEC, for all that you do for public avalanche safety.
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