The RCMP are reminding outdoor enthusiasts to stay out of the back country after a man died in an avalanche near Sparwood Friday.
At about 1:56 p.m. Elk Valley RCMP responded to the report of an avalanche in the Corbin area approximately 30 kms southeast of Sparwood. A group of seven people were snowmobiling in this area and triggered the avalanche. Six of the individuals were able to escape the avalanche however one person was unable to do so and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Sparwood Search and Rescue as well as the RCMP Police Dog Service from Cranbrook had to access the scene via helicopter and were able to ensure all others were safely removed from the area.
A few hours earlier, ski tourers near Fernie triggered a huge avalanche which resulted in a dangerous rescue by Fernie Search and Rescue. Click here for the full story.
Police would like to remind outdoor enthusiasts that avalanche conditions in the Elk Valley Region are extreme right now and travel in the back country is not recommended.