Historical Incidents

Incident Summary

Date
2021-02-23
Location
Swift Creek
Location Description
Approximately 16km NE of Valemount
Province
BC
Coordinates
52.91730 °, -119.08173 °
Elevation
1950 m
Activity
Backcountry Skiing
Involvement
3
Injury
0
Fatality
1
Description
Three skiers were caught in an avalanche estimated to be 400 metres wide and 50-140cm deep. The slide ran approximately 800 metres, nearly to valley bottom. The avalanche was likely remotely triggered from below the start zone after whumphing was reported to have occurred. Two people were partially buried and able to self rescue but could not locate the third person who was fully buried. Due to failing light SAR teams were not able to locate the missing skier on the day this incident occurred. The recovery mission found the deceased third skier the following day.

Avalanches

Date/TimeSizeTypeTriggerElevationAspectSlab widthSlab Thickness
3.5SSr2200 mSE400 m95 cm

Weather

Present TempMax TempMin Temp24hr TrendWind SpeedWind DirectionSky ConditionPrecipitation Type & Intensity
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Snowpack

Snowpack24hr SnowStorm SnowStorm Date
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Documents

Document DateTitleSource
2021-02-25Overview with fracture lines markedHalikview