Accident – Death – Obituary News :
About the Avalanche Incident
An unfortunate incident occurred in the backcountry near Castle Mountain ski resort in the Alberta Rockies, close to the British Columbia border. A 46-year-old man from Magrath, Alberta, lost his life after being buried by an avalanche while snowmobiling with another man and two children on a Saturday afternoon.
Details of the Avalanche
The avalanche took place at approximately 1 p.m. MT at the head of Gardiner Creek, located in the Castle Wildland Provincial Park, roughly 13 kilometres south of Castle Mountain Resort. The slide was triggered unexpectedly, catching the group off guard.
Rescue Efforts
Following the avalanche, the two children managed to escape with one of the men, while the other man was tragically buried in the snow. Authorities were alerted to the incident when the survivor reported it to Crowsnest Pass and Pincher Creek RCMP at 5:22 p.m. However, due to the approaching sunset, a search-and-rescue operation was postponed until the following day.
Search-and-Rescue Mission
At first light on Sunday, a comprehensive search was initiated, involving teams from Pincher Creek RCMP, Southwestern Alberta Regional Search and Rescue, a K9 unit from Fernie Search and Rescue, and Alberta Conservation. The search efforts proved successful, as the body of the missing man was located and recovered just before 1.30 p.m. on Sunday.
Conclusion
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of avalanches in the mountainous regions of Alberta and British Columbia. It highlights the importance of being vigilant and prepared when engaging in outdoor activities, especially in areas prone to avalanches. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.
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