One person deceased in avalanche

Chetwynd

2024-01-30 15:26 PST

File # 2024-148

A 21-year-old man has died after an avalanche occurred on Mount Stephenson Saturday afternoon.

On January 27, 2024 at 3:25 p.m. mountain time, the Chetwynd RCMP received a report of a person caught in an avalanche on Mount Stephenson. Three men were sledding in the area of the bowl when one got stuck. As they were about to extract the snowmobile, an avalanche swept all three men away. Two of the men had avalanche gear and deployed their air bags. One of those two was buried slightly but quickly dug out. The third could not be immediately located.

A probe line search was conducted and the man was located approximately four feet under the surface. Sadly, he did not survive.

This is a tragic reminder to all outdoors enthusiasts of the dangers of the back country, said Staff Sergeant Kris Clark of the BC RCMP. If you’re heading out, please equip yourself with the right knowledge and gear to stay safe.

The Chetwynd RCMP continue to support the BC Coroners Service in the investigation.

For more information on avalanche preparedness, please visit our website here BC RCMP - Avalanche and snowmobile safety reminders and resources (rcmp-grc.gc.ca).

Released by

S/Sgt. Kris Clark

Email: kris.clark@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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