Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Tragic Avalanche Claims Life of 19-Year-Old Kelowna Man in Kananaskis Backcountry
On March 10, a tragic incident occurred east of the Mount Engadine Lodge on Tower Peak in Kananaskis, where a 19-year-old Kelowna man lost his life in an avalanche. The Canmore RCMP received a distress call around 1 p.m. from two men who were skiing in the backcountry when disaster struck.
Rescue Efforts and Recovery
One of the men managed to free himself from the snow, but sadly, his companion was buried beneath the avalanche. The RCMP, in conjunction with Kananaskis Mountain Rescue, worked tirelessly to locate and recover the victim’s body, successfully completing the operation just before 10 a.m. the following day.
Avalanche Warning and Area Closure
Following this tragic event, a special public avalanche warning has been issued for the region, prompting intermittent closures in areas around Canmore and Kananaskis Country for avalanche control using explosives. Avalanche Canada has classified the current snowpack as “tricky,” with several recent incidents of skiers triggering avalanches within the past 24 hours.
Current Danger Rating
The danger rating for the Canmore area extending into British Columbia, including Revelstoke, is considered considerable. It is imperative for individuals engaging in winter activities in the backcountry to consult Avalanche Canada’s website, avalanche.ca, for up-to-date information on weather and terrain conditions.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the young man who lost his life in this tragic avalanche. Let us all take this opportunity to prioritize safety and preparedness when venturing into the backcountry, ensuring that we are equipped with the necessary knowledge and equipment to mitigate risks and prevent further tragedies.
.