14th
If there’s enough snow to ride, there’s enough snow to slide
Hey folks, while we’re still in the early season, I want to take a moment to encourage everyone venturing out into the backcountry around Revelstoke and beyond to check avalanche bulletins, carry avalanche rescue gear, and use common sense. The Canadian Avalanche Centre will start posting public bulletins this week, so make sure to check the bulletin before you ride.
A persistent problem at the moment is a layer of surface hoar now buried approximately 60cm deep under our newest round of storm snow. There has been significant avalanche activity around the area, with many slides running full path. Choose appropriate terrain for the conditions, carry a transceiver, shovel and probe (and, just as important, know how to use them), check the bulletins, limit exposure to slide paths, don’t group up in runout zones, and remember that we’ve got a long, snowy season ahead of us.
There is great snow to be had, but make sure you do it safely. Get the gear and take an avalanche skills training course if you’ve never done it before.
Photo taken by Brent Malysh on November 13 at The Gorge, a popular touring destination west of Revelstoke.
