Snowmobiler killed in avalanche near Tumbler Ridge in northeastern B.C.

A snowmobiler has died after being caught in an avalanche in the Rocky Mountains of northeastern British Columbia, according to Avalanche Canada.

The incident happened Tuesday in the Bullmoose area near Tumbler Ridge, where three snowmobilers were riding together. Avalanche Canada said the slide was remotely triggered from the bottom of the slope, highlighting the unstable conditions in the region at the time.

One of the riders was fully buried by the avalanche and did not survive, despite rescue efforts by the other members of the group. No additional injuries were reported.

Avalanche Canada said the avalanche was large, measuring roughly 300 metres wide and extending about 240 metres downslope. The crown face ranged from about 75 centimetres to two metres thick, and the area had been significantly affected by strong winds.

At the time of the incident, the avalanche danger rating for the area was listed as considerable. Under that rating, natural avalanches are possible and human-triggered avalanches are considered likely. Avalanche experts continue to urge backcountry users in northern British Columbia to carefully assess conditions and follow safety advisories before heading out.