Three people are dead and another is critically injured after an avalanche in the Kootenay region of British Columbia.
The victims were identified as four heli-skiers who were trapped in a slide in an alpine area on the east side of Kootenay Lake just before 1 p.m. Monday.
Mounties say the victims had just finished skiing down a bowl in the Clute Creek watershed near Kaslo, and were one of two groups of skiers waiting in a staging area below the tree line for their helicopter to arrive.
“A transport helicopter was nearing the group when the pilot observed an avalanche and sounded the siren,” the B.C. RCMP said in a statement Tuesday.
“One group of skiers was able to run out of harm’s way, while the other group of four was swept away into the tree line.”
Those on scene worked to rescue the skiers buried in the slide, however three of the victims were dead by the time they were freed from the snow, according to police.
The victims have been identified as a 44-year-old man from Whistler, a 45-year-old man from Idaho, and a 53-year-old ski guide from Kaslo.
The fourth person caught in the avalanche is a 40-year-old man from Nelson who suffered critical injuries, according to authorities.
High avalanche risk
B.C. Emergency Health Services said in a statement to CTV News on Monday that paramedics responded to the avalanche at 1:06 p.m.
“Two ambulances with primary care paramedics, one advanced care paramedic responder unit and one paramedic supervisor staged at the Kaslo Community Airport,” said paramedic spokesperson Brian Twaites.
“Paramedics provided emergency medical treatment to one patient who was brought to the airport by first responders via helicopter” and then transported to hospital, he added.
Kaslo-based Stellar Heli Skiing issued a statement Tuesday afternoon confirming the deadly slide occurred within its Clute Creek tenure.
“The entire team at Stellar Heli Skiing extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy,” the company said. “Our thoughts remain with them during this incredibly difficult time.”
The Kaslo RCMP are assisting the B.C. Coroners Service in its investigation into the incident.
The Kootenay region is currently rated high for avalanche danger at all elevations due to rising temperatures and a weakening snowpack, according to Avalanche Canada.
An avalanche in the Kaslo backcountry area killed two skiers, both police officers from Nelson, in 2023.
