One man is dead after four people were involved in an avalanche on Boulder Mountain near Revelstoke on Saturday.
The avalanche occurred near the Boulder Mountain Cabin on Feb. 15 at around 3 p.m. Four snowmobilers were in the area when the avalanche was triggered, and two were caught in the slide, RCMP reported.
One man was quickly uncovered from the snow by his colleagues but the second one was unconscious by the time he was dug out of the avalanche.
Revelstoke Search and Rescue was mobilized and a team – including avalanche rescue dogs – was immediately flown to the scene, however the 35-year-old victim succumbed to his injuries.
He was evacuated from the mountain via helicopter.
The other man suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
All snowmobilers had appropriate safety gear, including beacons, and avalanche safety training.
The rescue effort was based out of the Selkirk Mountain Helicopter hangar on Westside Road. Search and Rescue and RCMP were both there and funeral director Gary Sulz was seen arriving at the location.
Boulder Mountain is a very popular snowmobiling area just outside of Revelstoke and was very busy on Saturday. Many riders were seen coming down off the mountain late in the day.
No details have been released on the nature or cause of the avalanche.
At least one metre of snow has fallen in the area since Monday, Feb. 10, causing the Canadian Avalanche Centre to increase the danger rating to high in the alpine and at treeline, and considerable below treeline.
The incident is now being investigated by the BC Coroners Service.
