VICTORIA -- Alpine skiers are being warned of high avalanche risks in backcountry areas of Vancouver Island Wednesday. Non-profit group Vancouver Island Avalanche Centre, or VIAB (for Vancouver Island Avalanche Bulletin), says recent weather conditions have caused avalanche risks to be considered “high” at alpine and treeline elevations, while still remaining “considerable” below treeline heights. Backcountry enthusiasts are being encouraged not to travel in areas where avalanche risks are considered “high” by VIAB. Earlier this week, relatively minor avalanches were triggered by humans, according to the avalanche centre. “Numerous loose day avalanches were triggered by folks up to size one island-wide,” said the centre in an update Wednesday.