Special Public Avalanche Warning for BC and Western Alberta Backcountry 

Written by

Avalanche Canada

 

Feb 29, 2024, Revelstoke BC: Avalanche Canada, in partnership with Parks Canada, Kananaskis Country, and the Province of BC is issuing a Special Public Avalanche Warning for recreational backcountry users across most of BC’s and Alberta’s forecast regions. This special warning is in effect immediately and will apply through the end of Monday, March 4.

 

Recent storms have deposited a significant amount of snow across Western Canada. This new snow sits on prominent weak layers established in early February. Now the storm has abated, the natural avalanche activity has slowed but human-triggered avalanches remain likely.

 

“We’ve been tracking these weak layers closely over this past month,” explains Avalanche Canada Forecaster Tyson Rettie. “While their structure has different forms across different regions, the result is the same—highly problematic layers that remain reactive to human triggering.”

 

“This has been the biggest storm of the season, and we know backcountry users are eager to enjoy the snow,” adds Rettie. “But it’s vital to not underestimate the instability of these weak layers. Any avalanche triggered on them could be deadly.”

 

Making cautious terrain choices will be an important strategy for all backcountry users over the next few days. A good way to do this is by sticking to lower-angle slopes and choosing smaller objectives that minimize the consequences of an avalanche.

“Given the unpredictability of avalanches, and their devastating potential consequences, we’re urging everyone to stay safe by exercising caution and making informed decisions when planning a trip in the backcountry,” said Bowinn Ma, BC’s Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “Please follow the guidance of Avalanche Canada during this time of heightened risk.”

 

Backcountry users should always check the avalanche forecast at www.avalanche.ca. Everyone in a backcountry party needs the essential rescue gear—transceiver, probe, and shovel—and the training to use it.

 

For a map of the SPAW region, click here.

 

Pour la version française, cliquez ici. 

 

For further information please contact: 

 

Mary Clayton

Communications Advisor, Avalanche Canada

250.837.1492

Open house for Similkameen Recreation Centre arena replacement

Written by

News Article
Published: February 15, 2024
INFORMATION RELEASE
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) will be hosting an open house event to provide information and gather additional feedback on proposed plans for the Similkameen Recreation Centre’s outdoor arena replacement and conceptual design project.
In 2021, the RDOS determined the outdoor ice rink was reaching its operational end of life due to deteriorating brine lines and would likely reach critical failure any year now. The RDOS is working with a consultant to evaluate arena replacement possibilities and costs and to explore options for potential enhancements and future development on-site.
The open house event will take place on Thursday, February 29, 2024, between 2:30 and 6:30 pm at the Similkameen Recreation Centre, 311 – 9th St, Keremeos. The event will provide an opportunity to discuss the future of the arena and share feedback on the proposed design concepts.
The Similkameen Recreation Centre’s outdoor arena replacement and conceptual design project objectives are to elevate the resident experience when using the outdoor arena, improve the multi-functional asset that can be used year-round, and meet the needs and expectations of a growing local community.
For further information and to provide feedback, please visit rdosregionalconnections.ca or contact Tim Roth, RDOS Community Services Project Coordinator.
for further information please click the link below
https://www.rdos.bc.ca/newsandevents/rdos-news/hot-topics/article/4758

RDOS BC Family Day closures and events

Written by

News Article
Published: February 9, 2024
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) offices will be closed on Monday, February 19, 2024, in observance of BC Family Day.
RDOS Recreation is hosting free Family Day events throughout the region on Monday, February 19, 2024. Please visit rec.rdos.bc.ca for more information.
RDOS Offices:
  • Main office, 101 Martin Street, Penticton
  • Okanagan Falls Community Services, 1109 Willow Street, Okanagan Falls
RDOS Landfills:
All RDOS landfills will be closed for BC Family Day on Monday, February 19, 2024. Winter operating hours are in effect from Friday, December 1, 2023, to Thursday, February 29, 2024.
The Campbell Mountain Landfill in Penticton is closed on Sundays during winter.
Winter operating hours are Monday to Saturday, 8:30 am to 4:45 pm.
The Keremeos Transfer Station and Landfill is closed on Wednesdays during winter.
Winter operating hours are Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The Oliver Landfill opens later on weekdays during winter.
Winter operating hours are Monday to Friday, 12:00 pm to 3:45 pm and Saturdays, 10:00 am to 3:45 pm.
The Okanagan Falls Landfill is closed on Saturdays during winter.
Winter operating hours are Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 1:45 pm.
RDOS Recreation:
  • Similkameen Recreation CentreThe Similkameen Recreation Centre office hours can be found in the Winter Recreation Guide. The recreation office is closed on Monday, February 19, 2024.
    The gym and all other operations will be open during regular operating hours.
  • Okanagan Falls Recreation Centre / Zen CentreClosed Monday, February 19, 2024
RDOS offices and facilities will return to regular hours on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. For further information, please contact RDOS Communications.
-30-
Contacts:
RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-Free 1-877-610-3737
For further information visit link below