It has been confirmed that Whistler Blackcomb ski patroller Duncan Mackenzie, 30, has been identified as the skier killed in the avalanche last night near Pemberton. He died about 25km north of Pemberton, BC near Caspar Creek, after being injured in an avalanche and being stuck in the backcountry for much of the night. Rescue efforts were slowed due to weather.
Apparently the skier was caught in an avalanche on Thursday afternoon around 3:30pm during the group’s last run of the day. The slide swept through the party of four skiers, but Duncan was the only one taken for a ride (CBC News)
The skiers, whom police described as experienced and from the Whistler-Pemberton area, were traveling in the backcountry, despite the high avalanche danger ratings in place for alpine areas in recent days.
There have been numerous warnings to take caution in the backcountry, and avalanche hazards remain high in most areas of BC.
In recent days there have been two reported avalanche at ski resorts in BC. A skier triggered an avalanche in the side country of Revelstoke and a slide occurred at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. No one was injured in either slide.
This death marks the second avalanche related death in BC this season.
Our thoughts go out to Duncan’s family and friends.
See the full report on CBC news Canada.
