Special Public Avalanche Warning for BC and Western Alberta Backcountry 

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

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.
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RDOS BC Family Day closures and events

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.
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Contacts:
RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-Free 1-877-610-3737
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INFORMATION RELEASE: Invasive tree species removed from Mariposa Park

Invasive tree species removed from Mariposa Park
News Article
Published: February 9, 2024
INFORMATION RELEASE
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is removing invasive tree species from several locations in Greater West Bench (Electoral Area “F”) as part of a new pilot project. On Thursday, February 8, 2024, RDOS crews worked with contractors to remove four large trees using a crane. The trees were cut and lifted from their location to avoid damage to an adjacent tennis court. More than 60 invasive trees have now been removed from Mariposa Park.
“This is an important pilot project targeting the removal and treatment of three species of invasive trees that are proliferating in the Okanagan valley,” said Riley Gettens, Electoral Area “F” Director. “The invasive trees are choking out natural vegetation and ecosystems in the region.”
This collaborative project provides several benefits, including regrowth of natural vegetation, clearing sight lines at intersections, and reducing conflict from overhead utilities. With input and collaboration from several partners, including OASISS (Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society), and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI), RDOS staff are addressing long-standing issues related to invasive plants and trees.
Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila)
  • These fast growing trees quickly overtake native vegetation, especially shade-intolerant species, reducing forage for livestock and wildlife.
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)
  • A major problem in the Pacific Northwest, invading riparian woodlands and threatening large, hardy native trees such as cottonwoods. It can form dense stands that alter vegetation structure.
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
  • Competes with native vegetation and reportedly produces toxins that prevent the establishment of other species. The root system is aggressive enough to cause damage to sewers and foundations.
The invasive species pilot project will be reviewed and RDOS staff will explore opportunities to expand the program in future years. The project objectives include education, reduction of invasive trees, and re-establishing natural vegetation.
For further information, please email or call 250-490-4114.
 
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