A backcountry skier has died in an avalanche near Joffre Peak, close to the popular Joffre Lakes Provincial Park in British Columbia’s Sea-to-Sky region.
Pemberton RCMP received a missing person report around 2 p.m. PT on Tuesday. The individual was last seen skiing near the Anniversary Glacier by Mount Matier, east of Pemberton.
RCMP Insp. Robert Dykstra confirmed an avalanche occurred in the area. “Pemberton SAR located the missing person deceased and recovery is ongoing,” Dykstra stated.
Season’s Fourth Fatality
This marks British Columbia’s fourth avalanche death this season and the third within the past week.
- A skier perished after burial in an avalanche east of Revelstoke on Friday.
- A snowmobiler died near Fernie last Tuesday.
- Another snowmobiler was killed near Tumbler Ridge in December.
Rising Avalanche Risks
Officials note spiking avalanche dangers across southwest B.C. following a recent storm. The Sea-to-Sky area faced high danger on Monday, dropping to considerable risk on Tuesday.
Considerable rating ranks as the third-highest on a five-level scale, below high and extreme.
Forecasters warn of considerable risk in alpine terrain throughout southwest B.C. on Tuesday, with potential spikes Wednesday afternoon due to new snow and strong winds.
Joffre Lakes Park Popularity
Joffre Peak lies within Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, which drew about 180,000 visitors annually in 2021 before day-use passes became mandatory.
