Avalanches in Pemberton area lead to close calls with skiers

BRITISH COLUMBIA — A series of avalanches near Cayoosh and Marriot mountains in the backcountry near Pemberton has caused multiple close calls with skiers over the weekend.

Three separate incidents took place in the backcountry area Saturday. None of which resulted in a fatality. The first incident took place near the base of Cayoosh mountain. Two skiers were swept away by an avalanche on a backcountry run known as “Rock N’ Roll.” One skier was reported injured and was airlifted for medical attention.

The second incident occurred at 1:30 p.m. Saturday near Wendy Thompson Hut, less than five kilometres from the first incident. Two individuals are reported to have been involved in the avalanche. One of which sustaining injuries after being carried through a tree field, and being buried deep enough to impair breathing. A second Pemberton Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter was dispatched to rescue the skier.

According to coordinates provided by Avalanche Canada, the third avalanche happened in the same spot as the first avalanche of the day. Along the Rock N’ Roll backcountry run. Details are sparse on the condition of the skier, but he was not reported as injured. Pemberton SAR dispatched their helicopter for a third time to rescue the one skier involved in the incident.