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Avalanches Have Killed Nine People in B.C. This Winter

The most recent avalanche deaths happened near the town of Golden

Two people died in an avalanche near Kicking Horse ski hill in Golden this week, bringing the total number of people killed by avalanches this winter to nine.  The size 3.5 avalanche measured 115 metres wide and 950 metres long with a crown depth of 1.5 metres and it ran on a weak layer – see the report here. Avalanche Canada said this season’s snowpack is similar to the 2002-2003 season when 25 people died in British Columbia’s backcountry.

On Jan. 9, two off-duty police officers were caught in an avalanche near Kaslo. Police Service Const. Wade Tittemore, 43, died and Const. Mathieu Nolet, 28, died in the hospital 12 days later. On Jan. 21, two snowmobilers near Valemount triggered an avalanche which buried and killed one rider.

Two days later, heli-skiers and their guide were caught in an avalanche near Revelstoke. The two guests, brothers and American businessmen Jon and Tim Kinsley died from their injuries while their guide survived.

On Feb. 11, two skiers were caught in an avalanche on Potato Peak southeast of Prince George. A search and rescue found them deceased. One of the skiers who died was a member of the search team that found them. Always check avalanche conditions here before heading out.

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