The second fatal avalanche in a week has killed two people in British Columbia. avalanche Canada said on Thursday.
The slide occurred outside the boundary of a ski area near Golden, B.C., in an area known as Terminator 2.5, and the agency said in an incident report that it involved a group of five snowboarders and one skier.
“The avalanche was started by the group and four members of the group were involved. Three members of the group were buried in the avalanche, one partially and two completely. avalanche canada Said.
“The partially buried victim was pulled out and had sustained injuries. The two fully buried victims did not survive.
Avalanche Canada said a second group of snowboarders was on the way down when the slide started and were affected but not injured.
Photo showing the top of the avalanche, including the crown.
avalanche canada
Overview of the entire avalanche path. Photos from Golden and District Search and Rescue.
avalanche canada
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Alberta-based Stars Air Ambulance said it was called to meet BC Ambulance Service at the airport near Golden Thursday afternoon. No patient was taken.
Information about the whereabouts of the victims could not be found on Thursday night. The Golden Fields is a popular destination for backcountry enthusiasts in both BC and Alberta.
Avalanche Canada warned that snow cover in the interior of the province is “incredibly complex and difficult to manage.”
“Deep persistent slab problems may show no signs of instability before large avalanches occur. They are most likely to start on steep and rocky slopes, where the snow cover is thin or variable,” the organization said.
“Choosing low-risk terrain and maintaining good travel habits, including going downhill one person at a time and avoiding slopes where other groups are riding, is especially important with a dangerous snowpack.” Is.”
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The tragedy comes after two skiers, one of them a volunteer with the Central Caribou Search and Rescue Group, were killed in an avalanche in the Potato Peak area, about 200 kilometers southwest of Williams Lake.
Thursday’s incident brings the death toll from avalanches this year to nine, making the 2020-2021 season the deadliest in seven years.
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