A deadly avalanche struck southeastern British Columbia on Monday, killing three heli-skiers and leaving one critically injured. The group was skiing near Kaslo, on the east side of Kootenay Lake, when the snowslide hit. Among the victims were a well-known snowboarder from Whistler, a skier from Idaho, and a local guide.
The tragedy happened just after 12:30 p.m. local time. The skiers had finished a run and were waiting to be picked up by their helicopter when the avalanche began. The pilot saw the danger and sounded a warning, but it was too late for some. One group escaped safely, but another was caught in the slide and buried under heavy snow.
Rescuers arrived quickly after receiving the call around 12:45 p.m. The guide and other skiers had already dug out the four buried victims. Sadly, three had no pulse when found. The fourth, a 40-year-old man from Nelson, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Mark Jennings-Bates of Kaslo Search and Rescue said the scene was heartbreaking. “These were people we knew—experienced guides and skiers,” he shared. The local heli-skiing company, Stellar Heli Skiing, expressed deep sorrow for the families affected.
Avalanche Canada warned that warming global temperatures are making avalanches more frequent and dangerous. Monday’s avalanche was classified as a Size 3—strong enough to knock down trees and stretch hundreds of meters. The Kootenay region currently has a “high” avalanche risk, with experts urging skiers to avoid dangerous slopes.
This accident highlights the growing risks of backcountry skiing as climate change weakens snow stability. Even seasoned adventurers can face sudden disaster. Authorities remind everyone to check avalanche forecasts, carry safety gear, and avoid risky terrain during unstable conditions.
The community is mourning the loss of lives while grappling with the harsh reality of nature’s power. As temperatures rise, such tragedies may become more common, making safety awareness more crucial than ever.
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