New interactive tool maps avalanche-related fatalities in northeast B.C. since 1984

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Newly released national data shows 14 people have been reported to have died in avalanche incidents in northeast B.C. since 1984.

Avalanche Canada announced the new Fatal Avalanche Incidents Database in a December 12th press release.

The database includes an interactive map detailing avalanche-related fatalities across Canada dating as far back as 1782, with northeast B.C. records from 1984 to 2024.

“Behind every data point is a story of people, communities and how our understanding of avalanches has evolved,” said Gilles Valade, Avalanche Canada’s executive director. 

“This project helps us collectively remember avalanche victims, ensuring their stories continue to inform how we live, play and make decisions in the mountains.”

In northeast B.C., fatal incidents most often occurred in February, with January at a close second, while nationally, the data shows March is the deadliest month for avalanche fatalities overall.

All fatalities recorded in northeast B.C. involved snowmobiling, according to Avalanche Canada’s data:

• Redfern Lake: February 11th, 1984 (one fatality)
• Hasler Creek: February 13th, 1994 (one fatality)
• Hasler Creek: December 21st, 1997 (one fatality)
• Pine Pass: December 29th, 2000 (two fatalities)
• Hasler Flats: January 11th, 2009 (one fatality)
• Mount Babcock: January 17th, 2009 (one fatality)
• Pyramid Peak: January 23rd, 2011 (one fatality)
• Core Lodge: February 22nd, 2015 (one fatality)
• Upper Burnt River: February 2nd, 2020 (one fatality)
• Bijoux Falls: November 28th, 2020 (one fatality)
• Hasler Recreation Area: February 20th, 2021 (one fatality)
• Hasler Recreation Area: November 27th, 2021 (one fatality)
• Hasler Recreation Area: January 27th, 2024 (one fatality)

Details of these incidents are available through the interactive map.

On Wednesday, December 10th, a section of Highway 97, which included the Pine Pass and Hasler Recreation areas, was closed due to avalanche concerns.