Tragedy struck near Revelstoke, British Columbia, when a skier lost their life after being caught in an avalanche. This incident occurred on Thursday during a guided skiing trip with Selkirk Tangiers Helicopter Skiing.
Details of the Avalanche Incident
According to the Selkirk Tangiers company, the skier became buried when an avalanche was triggered as they descended a slope. Cpl. Brett Urano of the RCMP reported that the event took place in the Selkirk Mountains, approximately 19 kilometers southeast of Revelstoke. The avalanche struck at an elevation of 2,150 meters in the Akolkolex River drainage area.
- Date: Thursday
- Location: Selkirk Mountains, 19 km southeast of Revelstoke
- Elevation: 2,150 meters
- Region: Akolkolex River drainage area
The victim was buried under 1.5 meters of snow and was recovered by the Selkirk Tangiers team. Despite immediate CPR, the skier did not survive after being flown to Queen Victoria Hospital in Revelstoke.
Reactions and Safety Concerns
Dave Pehowich, the general manager of the Selkirk Tangiers, expressed profound sorrow for the loss. He stated that the company considers their guests as family and offered support to all affected. He emphasized the rigorous training that guides undergo to minimize risks.
“This incident is a tragic reminder of the inherent risks that exist in the backcountry, even for experienced users,” Urano remarked, highlighting the importance of recognizing these dangers.
Expert Insights on Avalanche Risks
This incident marks the second avalanche-related fatality in British Columbia for the current year. Prior to this, a snowmobiler died near Fernie earlier in the week.
Tyson Rettie, an avalanche forecaster with Avalanche Canada, noted that the snowpack in the Monashee and Selkirk mountains is classified as having a considerable danger rating, Level 3. This indicates that natural avalanches can occur, while human-triggered avalanches are likely.
Conclusion
The horrifying avalanche incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with skiing in backcountry areas. As individuals and groups continue to explore these terrains, awareness and caution remain paramount.
