Avalanche Canada reports a snowmobiler was killed in an avalanche in the Forster Creek area northwest of Radium Hot Springs Saturday, April 15.

“A party of three was snowmobiling in the Thunderwater Lake riding area on a slope above Whirlpool Lake. Two riders were involved in the avalanche that was reportedly triggered near a rocky feature on the slope. One rider managed to ride off to the side, the other was caught and buried approximately two meters deep on a bench feature mid-path, Avalanche Canada outlined.

“The subject was located and extricated by their party and CPR initiated. (Columbia Valley) Search and Rescue responded and evacuated the subject via helicopter to BC Ambulance Service in Invermere, but the victim did not survive.

The avalanche, at about 2,300 metres elevation, was reported to be a storm slab over a crust. It occurred on an alpine feature above a lake and was 40-100 cm deep, 100 meters wide, and 300 m long.

Columbia Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) responded to the scene and observed on social media, “The new storm snow is very reactive on the buried suncrust. Wide propagation has been observed, and there is potential to run full path,” in terms of avalanche conditions.

“Please be careful with the current avalanche conditions. These avalanches can be surprisingly large and could be triggered by warmth, cornices, or riders and skiers,” CVSAR urges.

Read the Avalanche Canada bulletin daily at www.avalanche.ca and get the training to stay safe in the backcountry this spring.

Saturday’s fatality is the 14th avalanche death in B.C. in 2023.

Lead image by Jordy Shepherd, Columbia Valley Search and Rescue

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