First Avalanche Fatality of Season Rocks Canada

Originally posted on Powder | By Matt Lorelli | Last updated Feb 19, 2025 10:53 AM ET

Avalanche Canada is reporting on the country's first avalanche-related fatality of the Winter '24/'25 season this morning, February 19, 2025.

According to the preliminary report, the first skier in a group of two triggered a large wind slab avalanche near the top of Kapristo Mountain on the eastern edge of British Columbia on Monday, February 17, 2025.

The heavy slab was an average of 20cm (8in) deep and 30m (100ft) wide. The avalanche funneled through a narrow gulley running approximately 990m (3,250ft) in length. The second skier was caught in the slide and was found buried 120cm (~4ft) below the surface at the toe of the avalanche debris.

According to a statement by the Golden-Field RCMP, the first skier was able to uncover the second skier, but was unable to resuscitate him despite live-saving attempts.

The victim was a 42-year-old male.

Avalanche Canada recorded 12 avalanche-related fatalities during the Winter '23/'24 season. There have been eight avalanche-related fatalities in The United States this season according to avalanche.org.

Our thoughts and condolences are with the friends and family of the deceased during this trying time.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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