Fatal Recreational Avalanche Incident Hasler 2021-02-20

Accident Date

Saturday, February 13, 2021

Activity: Snowmobiling

Elevation: 1600-1400 m

Aspect: North-East

Avalanche Size: 2.5

Number Caught: 1

Deceased: 1

Description of Incident:

One of a group of snowmobilers was caught in an avalanche estimated to be 50-100 cm deep, 100-200 metres wide, and 150-250 metres long. While unconfirmed, the January 24th persistent weak layer that exists in much of the North Rockies region is the suspected failure layer. Very stormy weather hampered the SAR response, which was unable to access the scene until about 24 hours after the incident occurred.

No on-site investigation was possible and the data contained in this report are based on observations made during an overflight of the location during the recovery mission. This report may be updated if more information is received.

UPDATE 2021-02-23: New information suggests the avalanche was larger than originally thought. Elevation range, avalanche size, and the estimated dimensions in the description have been revised accordingly.