Multiple heli-skiers have died in British Columbia’s latest fatal avalanche.
The Columbia Valley RCMP has confirmed that three people were killed in an avalanche that occurred near Panorama Mountain Resort, just west of Invermere, on Wednesday.
The avalanche reportedly happened around noon and emergency crews were notified at 12:40 pm.
“Initial reports were that multiple people, who had been heli-skiing in the area, were caught up in the avalanche,” said Cpl. James Grandy with the BC RCMP’s Southeast District.
Parks Canada and search and rescue crews were quickly activated, but were stood down prior to their arrival as all the buried skiers were accounted for.
Police have now confirmed that 10 people were caught up in the avalanche that killed three and injured four.
Some of the injured skiers are in serious condition, including the guide, but they are expected to survive.
The RCMP added that all of the skiers, except the guide, are foreign nationals who will not be identified until next-of-kins can be completed.
This is the sixth deadly avalanche in BC since the start of 2023. Thirteen people have died in those slides.
Avalanche Canada has issued several warnings to backcountry users about the unstable conditions across most of the province, saying that the snowpack in the BC Interior is incredibly complex and difficult.
With files from the Canadian Press.
