Two snow bikers dead following Pemberton avalanche
Posted December 29, 2020 6:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
PEMBERTON (NEWS 1130) — Two people have been found dead following an avalanche in Pemberton.
According to RCMP, two snow bikers were reported missing near Goat Creek around 5:30 p.m. Monday.
“Police learned that backcountry guides in the area had reported a fresh ‘crown’ along the side of the Goat Peak, indicating that an avalanche had been triggered. The guides further advised … they were unable to locate any active beacons in the area or determine if the snow bikes made it to the other side of the avalanche debris due to the terrain and darkness,” reads a release from RCMP.
“Pemberton Search and Rescue were notified; however, due to nightfall and the risk to searchers the search was set for first light.”
Rescue crews — including helicopters, and the RCMP K9 unit — set out around 8:00 a.m. Tuesday.
“Search crews were able to locate parts of the snow bikes in the debris field and then conduct a beacon search in the immediate area locating a signal,” according to police.
“At approximately 10:00 am, two deceased males were located within the avalanche debris field. The BC Coroners Service was notified and is investigating. The Pemberton RCMP will not be releasing the identities of the recovered individuals.”
Mounties say this was the second time Pemberton Search and Rescue was called out within 24 hours, and police are urging anyone venturing out to be prepared.
Avalanche Canada is out with a warning to anyone heading in to the backcountry, saying there were at least four large avalanches recorded Monday.
