Columbia Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) responded to another avalanche incident March 6, this time in the Pedley Pass area.

A size 2.5 avalanche (pictured) was toe-triggered in a logging cutblock by snowmobiles, resulting in one person being completely buried about one metre deep. Thankfully, their companion was able to dig them out.

The patient was airlifted to Invermere and District Hospital for further medical care.

Avalanche conditions are tricky right now. While in the area, rescuers saw evidence of a second party that had remotely triggered a size 1.5 and 2.5 avalanche on a northwest-facing feature at Pedley Pass.

All avalanches were 40-60 cm deep on the Jan 30 Persistent Weak Layer, likely caused by warming and solar input. While this area isn’t within an Avalanche Canada’s forecast region, there has been evidence of a natural avalanche cycle in the past two days, and the hazard remains elevated.

Safety Tip: Be cautious on solar-facing slopes and steep, planar features. Reduce or eliminate your exposure to avalanche terrain, especially with daytime warming.

Always check conditions before heading out and always ski/sled with a buddy. Stay safe out there.

Columbia Valley Search and Rescue photo

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