Avalanche
Snowmobiler Killed in Avalanche Near Johanson Lake in British Columbia’s Omineca Mountains
A snowmobiler was killed in an avalanche in the Omineca Mountains of northern British Columbia on Tuesday, after being buried under nearly two meters (79 inches) of snow near Johanson Lake, approximately 235 kilometers (146 miles) northwest of Mackenzie, according to Avalanche Canada. Two snowmobilers accidentally triggered a persistent slab slide on a northeast-facing slope at treeline elevation, around 1,750 meters (5,741 feet). One rider remained on the surface. The other was buried under approximately 1.8 meters (six feet) of snow.
Satellite Messenger Summons Rescue After BC Snowmobile Avalanche
The surviving rider was unable to locate the buried person and used a satellite messenger to summon help from a nearby recreational snowmobile camp. A second group reached the scene roughly 25 minutes after the incident, located the buried rider, and excavated them from the debris. Rescuers could not save the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Persistent Slab Problem Classified as Size 2.5 by Avalanche Canada
Avalanche Canada classified the slide as a Size 2.5 — large enough to bury, injure, or kill a person. The slab measured 170 meters (560 feet) wide with an average crown depth of 50 centimeters (20 inches) and a run length of 650 meters (2,133 feet). The avalanche problem type was identified as persistent slab, a historically stubborn and unpredictable snowpack issue that has affected backcountry terrain across British Columbia throughout the 2025-26 season. The fatality follows another snowmobiler killed in an avalanche near Tumbler Ridge, BC, earlier this season.
Avalanche Canada Urges Spring Backcountry Caution Across British Columbia
Avalanche risk across British Columbia is currently rated moderate from the alpine to treeline and may climb to considerable in some areas this weekend, although there was no specific forecast for the accident location. Avalanche Canada is urging backcountry travelers to exercise caution as spring conditions persist, warning that an unstable snowpack can remain dangerous well into the season. Officials recommend that all backcountry users carry a transceiver, probe, and shovel at all times.
The identity of the victim has not been released. The incident remains under investigation.
The death is the 13th avalanche-related fatality in Canada this winter. There have also been 22 fatalities in the United States this season.
