Backcountry skiier killed in avalanche near Revelstoke
By Castlegar Source
A 38-year-old Revelstoke man died Sunday after being caught in an avalanche in Glacier National Park near Revelstoke, according to RCMP Staff Sgt. J.M. Olsen.
“At approximately 4 p.m. on March 24, Revelstoke RCMP and Parks Canada were advised of an avalanche at Sifton Col, in Glacier National Park,” he said in a press rlease issued Monday. “Information obtained was a party of three back country skiers were at the bowl.
“A 38-year-old Revelstokian was testing the conditions in the bowl while the other two skiers waited near the top of the ridge. At approximately 2 p.m., an avalanche was triggered which buried him. His friends were able to dig him out, one stayed behind to apply CPR while the other skied back to Parks Canada at Rogers Pass for help.
“Parks Canada’s team of visitor safety and avalanche technicians responded immediately by helicopter. The male was not responding to CPR attempts and had succumbed at the scene. The remainder of the party was safely extracted by helicopter.
“Revelstoke RCMP, Revelstoke Victim Services and the BC Coroners Service were on hand to assist with the investigation.”
Olsen said they are not releasing the name of the skiier at this time.
“The avalanche was rated as a size 2.5 with a hazard rating in the alpine as considerable,” he continued. “Revelstoke RCMP would like to remind all back ountry users of the importance of carefully assessing the conditions and terrain and to consult the daily avalanche bulletin before selecting your route of travel. Always travel in a group, ensure that you are equipped with appropriate emergency gear and know how to use it.
Avalanche conditions can be checked at the Canadian Avalanche Centre website www.avalanche.ca prior to going into the back country.”
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