Avalanches in Canada

Avalanche on Bow Peak, AB, threatening the Banff-Jasper Highway. Photo credit: Clair Israelson

Thousands of avalanches occur in Canada each year. They happen in all regions of Canada, but are more frequent in the mountains of British Columbia, Yukon and Alberta. Avalanches can be triggered by wind, rain, warming temperatures, snow and earthquakes. They can also be triggered by skiers, snowmobiles, hikers, vibrations from machinery or construction.

• Avalanche facts
• Avalanche safety
• What to do in case of an avalanche
• Include this page in your emergency plan

Avalanche facts

• An avalanche occurs when a layer of snow collapses and slides downhill.
• Avalanches are caused by four factors: a steep slope, snow cover, a weak layer in the snow cover and a trigger.
• Roads and railway tracks may be rerouted to reduce risks.
• Safe avalanches may be triggered in dangerous snow packs.
• Avalanches can travel up to 90 km/h.
• After one hour, only one in three victims buried in an avalanche is found alive. The most common causes of death are suffocation, wounds and hypothermia.

Avalanche safety

• If you are planning to travel in backcountry, take an avalanche safety course.
• When traveling in backcountry, always travel in a group. Ensure you have an experienced group leader. Always stay within view of your group.
• When driving, observe the sign "Avalanche Area-Do Not Stop."
• Drive carefully in avalanche areas. Avalanches may reach the road without warning.
• Obey road closures. When the avalanche hazard is high, control work by explosives may be carried out at any time.
• If an avalanche blocks the highway, remain in your vehicle with seat belts on. Wait for assistance. It is easier to find a car in the snow than it is to find a person. Drive to a safe area if possible.
• Avoid driving through even small avalanches.
• If you live on a farm, moving livestock away from those areas when risks are present is recommended. There is seldom time for management or animal reaction during the event. If pastures, pens or egress roads are below a slope that is steep and accumulates snow, be cautious when heavy snow falls on old frozen snow and is then followed by a warm period.

What to do in case of an avalanche

If you become caught in an avalanche, try to:

• Push machinery, equipment or heavy objects away from you to avoid injury.
• Grab onto anything solid (trees, rocks, etc.) to avoid being swept away.
• Keep your mouth closed and your teeth clenched.
• If you start moving downward with the avalanche, stay on the surface using a swimming motion.
• Try to move yourself to the side of the avalanche.

When the avalanche slows, attempt to:

• Push yourself towards the surface.
• Make an air pocket in front of your face using one arm.
• Push the other arm towards the surface.

When the avalanche stops, begin to:

• Dig yourself out, if possible.
• Relax your breathing, particularly if you cannot dig yourself out.
• Stay calm and shout only when a searcher is near.

Include this page in your emergency plan

If you live or are planning a vacation in a mountainous region, print this information and include copies in your emergency plan and emergency kit.