Search and Rescue teams were deployed Feb. 4 following three avalanches in the areas of Cassiope Peak area and Mount Cayley.
Image Credit: Pemberton RCMP
February 06, 2022 - 12:48 PM
One person has died and two others were injured after three avalanches struck the Cassiope Peak area and Mount Cayley yesterday.
On Feb. 5, at approximately 1:20 p.m. Pemberton RCMP received multiple emergency rescue calls in a 10-minute period from the Cassiope Peak area and Mount Cayley.
Witnesses in the area stated that three separate avalanches: two on Cassiope Peak and one on Mount Cayley had buried multiple skiers and snowmobile operators plus there was approximately a dozen people in the area that needed to be evacuated, according to the Pemberton RCMP's news release.
Pemberton Search and Rescue discovered a large avalanche on the north face of Cassiope Peak where where skiers were caught - one had serious injuries, two were not injured and one was found deceased.
Information was received by Pemberton SAR that the second avalanche was on the Cassiope Trail Head, at least two people were caught in it but were not injured and were making their way to safety.
The third backcountry incident was reported on Mount Cayley where a snowmobile operator suffered serious injuries. Whistler Search and Rescue and North Shore Rescue were attending to that call in order to get the sledder out for medical treatment.
"There is no doubt that the snowpack remains unstable and information from Avalanche Canada and in consultation with Avalanche experts in our area shows there is an immense risk in the Sea to Sky backcountry at this stage" stated Staff Sgt. Sascha Banks, in the press release.
"We are concerned for additional large avalanches in the coming weeks with the increase in temperatures and sunny conditions. Pemberton RCMP and Pemberton SAR are asking you to check avalanche ratings and plan your trips prior to heading out in our backcountry."
Pemberton RCMP is working alongside the B.C. Coroners Service on this investigation. If anyone has any information they can contact the Pemberton RCMP at 604-894-6634.
The RCMP is urging residents to www.avalanche.ca for the Trip Planner and conditions prior to planning a backcountry adventure.
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