An avalanche east of Kootenay Lake on March 24 has claimed the lives of three men and critically injured another.
Kaslo RCMP say the incident occurred just before 1 p.m., when two groups of skiers were waiting in a staging area below the tree line of Clute Creek after finishing a run in the bowl.
A transport helicopter was nearing the group when the pilot observed an avalanche and sounded the siren.
One of the groups was able to run out of harm’s way, but the other group of four was swept into the tree line.
Efforts to recover the group were initiated, but sadly, three were found deceased.
Police say the victims include a 44-year-old man from Whistler, a 45-year-old man from Idaho, U.S.A., and a 53-year-old guide from Kaslo. The fourth man, a 40-year-old from Nelson, was critically injured.
Kaslo RCMP will continue to assist the BC Coroners Service in the investigation.
Statement from HeliCat CanadaÂ
“HeliCat Canada wants to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the people who passed away and sustained injuries in the avalanche that took place at approximately 12:30 PST on March 24, 2025, near Kaslo, B.C.”
“We also want to express our sympathy to the guests and the team at Stellar Heli Skiing. We understand the ripple effect that traumatic events such as these can have on all and an avalanche of this scale can impact all who are touched by it.”
“Our priority remains to provide assistance and support to everyone who was affected. We’ve been in touch with Stellar Heli Skiing and offered our full support. We are grateful to the RCMP and Kaslo Search and Rescue for their onsite response to this incident.”
“Avalanches are one of the greatest risks to people on mountains and in the backcountry. Our operators and their teams are some of the best in the world at snow science and safety. Similar to many outdoor activities, it’s impossible to eliminate 100% of the risks posed by nature, but our industry does its best to mitigate it with our world-class knowledge and expertise.”
“Members of our Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team have been supporting Stellar Heli Skiing—offering debriefing and defusing services, follow-up peer support and other resources.”
“We understand that Stellar Heli Skiing is working closely with the RCMP and others to respond to the incident and investigate the cause of the avalanche. The RCMP, Coroner and WorkSafeBC have launched investigations.”
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