One person is dead after being caught in an avalanche in a remote area near the Klehini River and Pleasant Camp, close to the British Columbia-Alaska border. RCMP in Atlin received a Garmin SOS alert on Sunday, March 22, at approximately 3:26 p. m., indicating an avalanche had occurred and one person was unconscious while CPR was underway. The location of the alert was about 500 kilometers from Atlin.
RCMP coordinated with Atlin Search and Rescue (SAR) to plan an extraction. Due to the remote location, a helicopter was used to access the area. Upon arrival, responders confirmed one person was deceased. Sgt. Vanessa Munn of the B. C. RCMP stated that five individuals were extracted from the area in total, with four uninjured.
The B. C. Coroners Service has been notified and is currently investigating the incident. Avalanche Canada has rated the avalanche risk in the area as "considerable".
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers present in the B. C. backcountry, especially during the late winter and early spring when avalanche conditions can change rapidly. The RCMP and Avalanche Canada urge all those venturing into the backcountry to check avalanche conditions, carry appropriate safety gear including beacons, probes, and shovels, and to be prepared for emergencies.
