Avalanche
A 58-year-old man from Alberta was killed in an avalanche while snow biking in the backcountry north of Revelstoke on Sunday afternoon, March 3.
The tragic accident occurred on Sale Mountain, where the man was caught in an avalanche at 6,500 feet around 1 p.m. while riding with a group. While his group was administering first aid to the rider, the situation took a turn for the worst when a second avalanche struck.
“A group of snow bikers was riding on Sale Mountain north of Revelstoke when one of the riders was caught in a size 2 avalanche. The other snow bikers located the subject and dug him out quickly. A separate group riding in the area came to help. While both groups were working on the rescue response, which included CPR, a connected slope released, burying some of the snowmobiles of the second group. Both of these avalanches released on a weak layer of facets over a crust which formed in early February.”
Revelstoke Search and Rescue and local authorities responded to the scene. The man was airlifted to Revelstoke’s Queen Victoria Hospital, where, despite all life-saving attempts, he was pronounced dead later that day.
Revelstoke RCMP confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. The BC Coroners Service has initiated an investigation into the tragic event.
Avalanche Canada, attributing the slides to weak layers formed in early February, extended its public avalanche warning through Thursday following the weekend’s fatalities.
The avalanche danger rating for the day was ‘High’ above the treeline. Recent heavy snowfall and underlying weak layers have heightened the risk of avalanches, prompting authorities to urge caution among outdoor enthusiasts. Avalanche Canada emphasizes the importance of making conservative terrain choices and adhering to safety protocols, including checking avalanche forecasts and ensuring all members of a backcountry party possess essential rescue gear and training.
The warning area includes coastal regions, the Rocky Mountains, and areas extending into Alberta. Backcountry users are advised to stay vigilant and updated on avalanche conditions through official channels.
Avalanche Canada provides up-to-date information and resources on their website at avalanche.ca for those venturing into the backcountry.
The fatality is the third avalanche-related death in Canada this winter. There have also been 11 avalanche fatalities in the US.
