Avalanche Fatality Reported Near Banff, Alberta

The skier, who presumably traveled alone into the backcountry, was first reported missing late in the day on Apr 1. 

Based on its observations, Avalanche Canada estimated that the fatal avalanche occurred four days prior on Mar 29. 

Before becoming partially buried, the solo skier descended a slope off the shoulder of Cathedral Mountain called Cathedral Glades. 

There, they triggered an avalanche, which Avalanche Canada noted in an incident report "appears to have failed on or stepped down to the Feb 3 persistent weak layer." 

Rescuers found the buried skier when they spotted a ski sticking out of the snow from the air. Upon landing, they found a boot was visible on the snow's surface and that the skier's avalanche transceiver—held in their backpack—was switched off. 

Further information about the incident hasn't been shared.

Avalanche risk in the Cathedral Mountain area is "considerable," per Avalanche Canada's latest forecast.