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Avalanche danger rating listed as ‘high’ in parts of Northeast BC

Backcountry skiers are dwarfed by the mountains as they make their way along a mountain ridge near McGillivray Pass Lodge located in the southern Chilcotin Mountains of British Columbia, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward (JONATHAN HAYWARD)

The avalanche danger rating is being listed as ‘high’ for the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, according to Avalanche Canada.

The agency says that heavy snow on Friday is falling over a layer of surface hoar and is rapidly increasing the avalanche danger.

The danger rating is ‘high’ in the alpine and tree line areas. It is listed as ‘considerable’ below the tree line.

The warning is for an area that includes the Pine Pass north to Williston Lake. The avalanche danger rating for the eastern slope of the Rockies including Hudson’s Hope and Chetwynd, is listed as ‘considerable.’

Anyone planning to be in the backcountry should have proper training, carry a transceiver, shovel and a probe.

Avalanche Canada is also advising people to check its forecast and take steps to keep themselves safe.

Avalanche danger rating listed as ‘high’ in parts of Northeast BC