Three snowmobilers from Alberta and B.C. have died in two separate avalanches in the Rockies, adding to what avalanche watchers are calling one of the most dangerous winters in recent memory.
A man in his mid to late 20s from Kimberley, B.C., is believed to have died near the town after he and four others were snowmobiling Wednesday in the Hell Roaring area, search and rescue officials and RCMP confirmed.
Peter Reid, president of Kimberley Search and Rescue, said it’s thought the five men from Kimberley may have triggered the snowfall with their machines.
The other two deceased, from the Edmonton area, were snowmobiling Tuesday near McBride, B.C.
“Avalanche activity has been extremely high,” said Reid,
“The snowpack is extremely hazardous this year.”
Even avid backcountry enthusiasts in the area have been avoiding it because of the dangerous conditions, said Reid, adding it’s best for outdoor enthusiasts to avoid the backcountry right now.
Parks Canada said the avalanche conditions were “considerable” at and above the treeline, and “moderate” below the treeline.
Reid said the five people near Kimberley were well equipped for the possibility of avalanches with beacons, probes and shovels when the snowfall hit and buried one man “quite deep in the snow pack.”
“They had experience in the backcountry,” said Reid.
Because they were ready for avalanches, the other four were able to rescue the buried man within five minutes, but he was already unconscious once he was pulled out of the snow.
One person in the group then left on snowmobile to get into cell phone range and called for help around 2 p.m.
“There’s no real cell coverage in that area. It’s wilderness,” said Reid.
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