Four people have died in two separate avalanches in northwest British Columbia, highlighting the ongoing dangers in the region’s mountainous areas. Authorities confirmed that three heli-skiers were killed in one incident, while another person lost their life in a separate avalanche near the B.C.-Alaska border.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the first avalanche occurred on Mount Knauss, located north of Terrace. Police received reports of the incident just before 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. The avalanche struck an area known as the Iridium Shoulder ski run, where a group of heli-skiers was present.
Four people were caught in the avalanche. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, and one individual was airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries. However, three others were pronounced dead. The BC Coroners Service has launched an investigation into the deaths.
In a separate incident reported the same day, another person was killed in an avalanche near Atlin, close to the Klehini River and the border between British Columbia and Alaska. Details about this incident remain limited, but authorities confirmed it was also related to unstable snow conditions in the region.
Experts from Avalanche Canada warned that avalanche risk in the alpine areas of northwest B.C. remains high. They stated that recent snowfall combined with strong winds has created unstable layers of snow, making slopes particularly dangerous. These conditions increase the chances of avalanches, especially in areas affected by wind.
The recent tragedies bring the total number of avalanche-related deaths in British Columbia to nine since December 2025. This includes earlier incidents involving a snowmobiler and a professional snowboarder, both of whom died in separate avalanches in different parts of the province.
Authorities are urging outdoor enthusiasts, including skiers and snowboarders, to be extremely cautious when entering backcountry areas. They recommend checking avalanche forecasts, carrying proper safety equipment, and avoiding high-risk zones during unstable weather conditions.
These incidents serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of mountain environments and the importance of safety awareness during winter activities.
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