Kananaskis search and rescue calls jump by 50% over 2015

Alberta Parks officials have seena 50 per cent spike in search and rescue calls in Kananaskis Country this spring compared to last year.

There's noofficial reason given for the increase, but some users are pointing to warmer weather and increased outdoor activity as related factors.

PamelaKuiperssaidan early spring in the foothills has helped her to hit the trails a lot sooner this year.

"Easter weekend was the first weekend I was out here,and that was like end of March," she said.

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Despite the drier conditions, Jeff Bullock with the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre said there are still snow-related risks for those eager to take advantage of the relatively warm weather.

Particularly after midday, when things start to warm up, the potential for avalanches grows.

"And we're often drawn to the snow because it's easy to travel up; it's quick to travel down," Bullock said.

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"People just need to be very, very careful of that.In the mornings,often it's icy, it's frozen, there's no avalanche danger. In the afternoons,that changes very quickly."

Parks Canada officials said theyhaven't seen the same spike in rescue calls in the mountain parks.

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