The Matheson Creek avalanche on Tuesday, February 17 involved two snowmobilers riding in the Coal Creek snowmobile area southeast of Fernie. One rider was climbing a slope toward a ridge when he triggered a slab avalanche, was fully buried, and did not survive.

Based on the incident details available, the avalanche started on a northeast aspect near treeline at approximately 2,100 metres elevation. It released the recent storm snow and stepped down to the buried persistent weak layer. The fracture propagated widely into adjacent avalanche paths, triggering sympathetic avalanches.

The slide was classified as a Size 2.5 slab, approximately 170 metres wide, with crown depths averaging 45 centimetres and reaching up to 100 centimetres in places. The avalanche ran roughly 200 metres downslope.

At the time of the incident, avalanche danger for the region was rated High with Avalanche Canada.

Elk Valley RCMP reported that they were advised of an emergency device activation indicated a snowmobiler had been caught in an avalanche. Front-line officers and Fernie Search and Rescue responded. Due to the time of day and hazardous avalanche conditions, recovery efforts could not proceed immediately. On February 18, Fernie Search and Rescue members recovered the man’s body. RCMP confirmed he died as a result of the avalanche and noted he was wearing appropriate clothing and equipped with avalanche safety gear. He also was a very experienced and safe backcountry user, this can happen to anyone.

Avalanche size ratings are based on destructive potential, and a Size 2.5 is capable of burying and destroying vehicles or small structures. Persistent slab problems involve buried weak layers that can allow fractures to propagate broadly once triggered.

We extends sincere condolences to the rider’s family and friends, and to the rescuers and community members involved in the response. Incidents like this are deeply felt in our community.

Source: Avalanche.ca