NSR- Two snowmobilers killed near Revelstroke

Winthrop snowmobiler dies in British Columbia avalanche


WENATCHEE — A young Winthrop man was one of two snowmobilers killed in an avalanche Friday near Revelstoke, B.C.

Staff Sgt. Jacquie Olsen of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Monday that Canadian law prevents her from releasing the victims' names.

She said the Winthrop victim was 20 years old. The Canadian victim, from British Columbia, was 37.

She said the men were among seven snowmobilers — two separate groups — sledding together at Hall Mountain, southeast of Revelstoke.

Olsen said the Winthrop rider caused the avalanche around 3:55 p.m. as he crested a steep hill in remote terrain. The Canadian victim was in the avalanche's path.

Both men were wearing avalanche beacons, which enabled the others in their party to quickly locate them and dig them out, she said.

She said the Winthrop man was buried in about seven feet of snow, some 260 meters from the base of the avalanche. The Canadian was about the same distance away, buried in about five feet of snow.

Revelstoke coroner Tim Loader wasn't immediately available Monday to comment on the cause of death.

Others in the group were on an access road, at the base of the hill or about halfway uphill along the tree line.

She said everyone else managed to hide behind trees — the proper practice — when they saw the avalanche break loose.

Olsen said avalanches are relatively common all winter long on Hall Mountain. She said police are still investigating, but the incident appeared to be a "tragic accident."



It's sad to hear about an incident like this. Vibes out to those involved+++