One Person Killed In Avalanche

The BC Coroner’s Service is investigating following the death of one person in an avalanche northeast of Prince George.

Prince George RCMP says a group of five snowmobilers were riding in the Torpy Mountain range when an avalanche swept one of the riders away.

An emergency call was made to RCMP and Search and Rescue was alerted shortly after noon yesterday.  Poor weather conditions prevented a helicopter rescue operation and a ground crew went into the area via snowmobile, approximately 100-kilometres from the city.

Prince George RCMP Media Relations Officer, Corporal Craig Douglass, says the victim was an adult male.  His body was recovered by searchers.  The four others in the group were uninjured and were able to ride out with SAR personnel.  The victim’s identity and hometown are not being released at this time.

Corporal Douglass says the snowmobilers were experienced and properly equipped.

Avalanche Canada had issued a special warning on Friday urging caution in the backcountry due to a weak layer caused by last week’s snowstorms.