A snowmobiler was killed by an avalanche in the Rocky Mountains earlier this week.

According to an Avalanche Canada (AC) incident report, the fatal incident happened in the Bullmoose riding area near Tumbler Ridge, BC, on Tuesday, Dec. 30.

Photo Credit: Avalanche CanadaOverview photo showing the whole avalanche. Photo was taken the day after the incident.

Three snowmobilers were riding together when the avalanche was “remotely triggered from the base of the slope” by the snowmobiles.

Unfortunately, one of the riders was “fully buried” by the 300-metre-wide avalanche and did not survive, despite “prompt companion rescue.”

“The avalanche is believed to have run on a rain crust from mid-December, buried approximately 75 cm below the surface,” explained the AC debrief.

The weather was reported to be snowing heavily with strong winds and rising temperatures, with search and rescue members reporting that it was 3°C during rescue.

The danger rating for the area was “considerable,” which indicates that natural avalanches are possible and human-triggered avalanches are likely.

Photo Credit: Avalanche CanadaRight hand side of the avalanche taken the day after the incident.

Photo Credit: Avalanche CanadaPhoto of the left side of the avalanche. Photo was taken the day after the incident.