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Sharp temperature increases through the week has caused a surge in avalanche risk for Banff, Lake Louise and Kananaskis, as many hikers hope to hit the trails.
Avalanche Canada reports issued Tuesday show high avalanche risk for areas of Banff National Park and Lake Louise, with risk remaining high through alpine, treeline, and below treeline through to Friday.
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“Warm temperatures, lots of sunshine and high freezing levels will result in an widespread avalanche cycle beginning on Wednesday,” read the warning. “This is a good time to avoid all avalanche terrain.”
The warm temperatures will weaken upper snowpack resulting in widespread loose, moist avalanches, Avalanche Canada said.
“The likelihood of deep persistent slab avalanches will increase with each day of warm weather.”
The Kananaskis area was listed as considerable to moderate danger for Wednesday, with risk elevating to high on Thursday and Friday.
Avalanche Canada advised to be alert of changing conditions throughout the day, and conditions shifting due to elevation.
For the rest of this week and into the weekend temperature highs for Banff and Kananaskis are expected to hover in the teens and low 20’s, according to Environment Canada.
More to come…
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