The slide was triggered far above the group, cutting a path 250 meters wide through mature forest as it rolled down the mountainside. According to reports, the victim was the only one of the group fully buried by the slide. He was apparently buried under approximately three meters of snow. When he was dug out ‘many minutes later’ he was unresponsive to medical resuscitation.
Here is a message about the event posted by CMH.
A MESSAGE TO CMH GUESTS & THE MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY
At this time, our deepest sympathies are with the family of the victim. The thousands of guests who ski with us each winter are like our family. It is impossible to put into words the sorrow that we feel and the sorrow that is shared by our guests, their families and all of our staff.
Here is what we know: The avalanche was categorized as a size 4 on a 5 point scale. The fracture line of the avalanche occurred at an elevation of approximately 2,550 metres on a slope with a westerly aspect. The avalanche destroyed a 250 metre wide area of mature timber that was directly above and sheltering the pickup location which was at an elevation of approximately 1,400 metres.
There was one person fully buried by the slide and they were located with their transceiver and removed from the snow. Two physicians were on scene and attended to the victim who could not be resuscitated. Three guests and one guide were also involved in the incident and were treated for minor injuries.
An investigation of the event is being coordinated by the BC Coroner’s Office and the RCMP. CMH is fully involved in this investigation and our collective findings will be shared with others in the mountain community and any other appropriate parties.
For 49 years and over 9.5 million guided runs, CMH has always placed our primary focus on the safety of our guests and staff.
As always, our commitment is to continue to do so into the future.