Avalanche near Chetwynd claims life of snowmobiler

CHETWYND, B.C. — An avalanche in the Chetwynd area claimed the life of one snowmobiler on Saturday. 

According to Avalanche Canada, an avalanche caught and buried a snowmobiler in the Hasler riding area, west of Chetwynd. 

Snowmobilers at the scene were able to locate and extract the rider, who did not survive. 

The avalanche occurred in a chute feature at treeline elevation. 

According to Avalanche Canada, treeline elevation is characterized by sparse forest cover and is the transition between uniform forest cover below it and the alpine above it. 

The avalanche’s east-facing start zone was reportedly wind-loaded. According to Avalanche.org, wind-loading occurs when there are moderate to strong winds and new or recent snow available for transport. Wind-loading is a sign of instability. 

Saturday’s fatal avalanche ran for approximately 250 metres and is suspected to have failed on a layer of facets that formed earlier this month. 

Often referred to as “sugary snow,” facets are snow crystals that form in cold, dry conditions. Faceted snow is known for its weak structure, which can contribute to unstable snowpack conditions, and is commonly associated with persistent slab avalanche problems.

Avalanche Canada says data about the incident is limited due to a lack of daylight and elevated danger experienced by rescuers on the scene. 

Updates may be provided if more information becomes available. 

According to Avalanche Canada, dangerous avalanche conditions exist across almost all of its forecast regions on Monday, with warm, stormy weather continuing to destabilize the snowpack. 

The organization does not recommend travel in avalanche terrain in many areas.

A map of current avalanche conditions throughout the province can be found here.