BC Coroner’s Service and Avalanche Canada stress need for safety

REVELSTOKE–In the wake of last weeks fatal avalanche in north eastern B.C., members of the snowmobiling community are being urged to be prepared in the backcountry.

The BC Coroners Service and Avalanche Canada have issued a special safety bulletin.

A total of 17 snowmobilers were in the Mount Renshaw Alpine Recreation Site near McBride on Jan. 29 when an avalanche came down, killing five snowmobilers from Alberta.

First responders, the Coroners Service and Avalanche Canada all note that the majority of groups had proper rescue equipment with them and the effort made by those on scene undoubtably prevented the loss of more lives.

But they add that while having the proper equipment to respond to an avalanche is critical, knowing how to avoid an avalanche altogether is better.

“Avalanche safety education is essential for all winter backcountry recreationists,” said GillesValade, Executive Director of Avalanche Canada. “Basic skills, such as recognizing avalanche terrain and not exposing multiple people to overhead hazard, make a big difference in reducing the consequences of an event.”

“Equipment alone is not enough,” says Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe.

The vast majority of fatal avalanches are triggered by the victim or someone in the victim’s party.

Avalanche Skills Training courses teach proper trip planning, terrain selection and safe travel techniques, which can be effective in preventing accidents.

Information about current safety conditions, as well as training courses and equipment needs can be found at Avalanche Canada’s website, www.avalanche.ca.