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Three Killed, One Critically Injured in British Columbia Avalanche

A deadly avalanche near Kootenay Lake swept away a group of heli-skiers, prompting renewed warnings about dangerous backcountry conditions in the region.

The RCMP logo shown in Edmonton, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
A naturally-triggered persistent slab avalanche in the Kootenays is shown in an undated handout photo. Avalanche Canada has issued a special warning covering much of northwestern and southwestern British Columbia as well as the Rockies stretching into Alberta, as "dangerous" conditions have developed. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Avalanche Canada, *MANDATORY CREDIT*
Image
Mike Koppang, a Mountain Rescue Specialist with Kananaskis Mountain Rescue, shows easy it is to trigger an avalanche in the backcountry.

Overview

  • The avalanche occurred Monday afternoon in the Clute Creek watershed near Kootenay Lake, southeastern British Columbia.
  • Three victims, including a 53-year-old guide from Kaslo, a 44-year-old man from Whistler, and a 45-year-old man from Idaho, were killed.
  • A 40-year-old man from Nelson survived but suffered critical injuries and was rescued by emergency responders.
  • Avalanche Canada had issued warnings for the area, citing a weak snowpack worsened by recent storms and warm temperatures.
  • Experts continue to advise against backcountry travel due to highly unstable avalanche conditions across southern Alberta and British Columbia.