1. Avalanche Risk (Hazardous Terrains)

Avalanche at SilverStar Mountain. (Source)

Hazardous terrains pose risk of avalanche for hikers in snowy trails. Even when hiking in the spring, some trails can still be covered in snow which could result in an avalanche. It is important to monitor weather and avalanche forecasts for the relevant trail prior to taking the hike. One way to minimize avalanche risk is to travel on low angle slopes and keeping an eye out for any dramatic weather changes.

2. Varying temperatures (for spring)

The recommended season for the Garibaldi Lake hike is July-October. However, the long- awaited arrival of spring attracts many hikers to the numerous other trails in BC. During the spring months, temperature changes for trails can be extreme if they involve an elevation change (decrease in temperature). Therefore, less bulky layers are recommended as opposed to one outfit that might become uncomfortable during the swinging temperatures.

A snow-covered Mount Garibaldi in Spring. (Source)

3. Hypothermia / Hyperthermia 

One of the hazards that hikers may face in the winter/colder trails is hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when the human body’s core temperature is abnormally low. Hypothermia has a range of symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, confusion and in some cases, frostbite could occur. Hypothermia could turn fatal in extreme situations so it is important to wear appropriate trail gear and check weather forecasts in advance.

Hikers should dress in appropriate hiking gear depending on the weather conditions. (Source)

In contrast to hypothermia, very hot hiking conditions can cause hyperthermia which is characterized by abnormally high body temperature. In order to avoid hyperthermia, hikers should stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and wear appropriate (cool) clothing. It is not recommended to strip down to basics as it poses the risk of exposure to UV rays and sunburns in hot weather. It is very important to apply and reapply sunscreen as needed in such conditions.

4. Daylight Hours

For winter and spring time hiking, it is important to make travel plans keeping the shorter daylight hours in time. Shorter daylight hours could lead to hikers getting lost if not expecting the darkness or unprepared. It might be helpful to plan the hikes earlier in the day if wanting to avoid the darkness. For such hikes, it would be recommended to plan the return trip and deciding whether or not to camp in advance.

5. Impaired visibility (fog)

"Smog" from wildfires/pollutants can also impair visibility for hikers. (Source)

For higher elevation trails, fog can be possible hazard for hikers. Not only would fog distort any scenic views, but thicker fog can also block off the trail path and highly reduce hikers’ visibility causing them to trail off the planned route and could cause accidents. To avoid fog conditions, it is important to check the weather forecasts in advance, accounting for different elevations and the differing weather patterns that may persist along the trail.