North Shore Rescue warns outdoor enthusiasts to stay out of backcountry

North Shore Search and Rescue is warning outdoor enthusiasts of all levels to stay out of the backcountry for the time being after an avalanche warning was issued for the North Shore.

"Going outside of and under the ropes right now is a life and death decision," said Doug Pope, search manager with the volunteer rescue group. 

"We can't go out and put our rescuers at risk to go into these gullies that are very dangerous for the public and our rescuers." 

According to avalanche forecasters more than 100 centimetres of snow has fallen in the area over the past week.

It's led to ideal skiing and snowboarding conditions but that amount of fresh powder has also resulted in an elevated risk for a slide.

Mountain users are now being asked to follow existing guidelines.

"If you stay inside the boundaries, you're going to have a perfectly safe experience," said Erik Bowkett, safety manager with Grouse Mountain. "But if you choose to go beyond, you need to be very prepared because the avalanche conditions are high.

Grant Helgeson, senior avalanche forecaster with Avalanche Canada expects the risk to diminish quickly but until then, advises caution.

"The overall avalanche danger will come down but the next day — Monday, Tuesday, I would expect human triggered avalanches to remain possible," said Helgeson. 

He says backcountry users should check avalanche bulletins before heading out.