Avalanche Tragedy in BC Interior

Three Dead, Four Injured

A tragic avalanche in the BC Interior on Wednesday has claimed the lives of three heli-skiers and left four others seriously injured. The incident occurred around noon southwest of Invermere, RCMP said.

The BC Coroners Service has identified the deceased as:

• Mike S, (age 65) of Calgary
• J. P, (age 59) of Invermere
• A. C, (age 58) of Revelstoke

Dangerous conditions persist in BC's backcountry, with a continued high risk of avalanches. This is a reminder to all backcountry users to be aware of the risks and take all necessary precautions for their safety.

The incident brings the total number of avalanche-related deaths in BC to five this month. On Monday, two snowmobilers were killed in the Revelstoke area. On Tuesday, the province issued a public avalanche warning for the North and South Columbia regions.

The Canadian Avalanche Centre advises backcountry users to check the avalanche forecast before heading out, and to take an avalanche safety course to learn how to recognize and avoid avalanches.

The BC government has expressed its condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. The BC Coroners Service is investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of death.