Avalanche in Kootenay Pass kills 23-year-old snowmobiler

A 23-year-old man has died after an avalanche swept over two snowmobilers in British Columbia’s Kootenay Pass area on Saturday, according to police.

Creston RCMP said officers were alerted through an SOS tracking device that someone was in distress in the backcountry. Shortly afterward, police were informed that an avalanche had occurred and that one of the buried riders was non-responsive after being dug out.

Police said other snowmobilers in the area were able to rescue both individuals. The 23-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not been released.

According to Avalanche Canada, the two riders were travelling under a transmission line when they triggered the slide, which measured approximately 300 metres wide and 240 metres long. The organization has warned that backcountry conditions in parts of B.C. have been inconsistent in recent weeks.

This marks the fifth avalanche-related death in British Columbia’s backcountry since mid-February, underscoring ongoing safety concerns for winter recreation users.

Context: Avalanche incidents have increased in B.C.’s backcountry amid fluctuating weather conditions and unstable snowpack, according to Avalanche Canada. Authorities continue to urge riders to check daily forecasts and carry proper safety equipment before heading into avalanche terrain.