VICTORIA – B.C.’s chief coroner says most avalanche deaths are preventable, and she’s warning people to take precautions before heading into back country areas where slides occur.
Lisa Lapointe says nine people died in avalanches in B.C. and Alberta last winter and virtually all those deaths could have been avoided if the victims had been more careful.
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She says before heading out, snowmobiliers and skiers should check conditions in the mountains and their safety equipment, which should include things like transceivers, shovels and probes.
Lapointe says they should also ensure they have the proper training so they know how to use that equipment.
She recommends going on line to http://www.avalanche.ca for information about courses and back country conditions.
The average age of those who died in avalanches last winter was 44, and eight of the nine were men. (CHNL)
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