Caution urged for those taking to the back country this weekend

The recent spate of storms, high water incidents and flood events of the Northwest has given the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources and Rural Development cause to issue an advisory for those travelling into the back country of the Northwest this weekend.

With Ministry official advising that those enjoying the back country should be aware of conditions and prepare accordingly:

Extreme weather conditions can create numerous hazards, including road and bridge washouts, undercut banks and structural failures. Avoid putting yourself in hazardous situations. Be prepared and plan alternative routes in advance.

As well they advise that If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. Never stay with your car in a flooded area. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and get away to safety.

Forest Road closure information affecting the Northwest and Haida Gwaii can be reviewed below:

Skeena-Stikine
Haida Gwaii

A number of incidents over the last week bring home the issue of back country issues related to weather.  Among them, the flooding on the Kitimat River and a Search and Rescue response required for hunters in the Copper River region.

Locally, heavy rain contributed to a landslide earlier this week, which has resulted in obstacles accumulating across the Mount Hays Access Road.

Accounts of some of those incidents can be reviewed on our Northwest Emergency Responders Archive.

A guide for safe travel on the forest roads of BC can be found here.

Should you come across a hazard in the back country or along forest roads this weekend, you are asked to contact the Ministry toll free at 1-877-952-7277 or #7277 on a cell phone.

More notes from weather incidents can be found on our Weather Related Events archive page