Backcountry Skier Killed In Avalanche Near Nelson, BC (UPDATED)

By
Mountain Journey
-

Kootenay Region, Canada – On Saturday, January 21, 2017 a 32-year-old female backcountry skier from Anchorage, Alaska was killed in an avalanche near Qua Peak in the Kootenay Region near Nelson, British Columbia, Canada.

Avalanche Debris - Pixabay
Avalanche Debris | Stock Image

The avalanche occurred while three experienced and equipped backcountry skiers were descending a slope near Qua Peak at approximately 9 am. All 3 skiers were caught in the avalanche and all managed to inflate their avalanche airbags (NelsonStar.com).

Two of the skiers found the victim partially buried and unresponsive. They radioed for help. Rescuers arrived via helicopter and took the victim to Nelson, but she did not survive.

The BoundarySentinel.com reports that the group had been skiing in the area for about a week and this was their last day skiing.

Avalanche.ca rated the avalanche danger for the Kootenay Boundary as “Considerable” for alpine and treeline on the forecast issued for 21 January 2017. They warn that “Conditions are primed for people triggering avalanches.”

We will try to update this post when more information becomes available.

Update 1/22: Updates reflected above.
Update 1/23:

  • The preliminary report form Avalanche.ca notes that the skier fatality occurred on a S/SE aspect at approximately 2050 meters on a cross loaded feature. (Avalanche.ca Kootenay Boundary Forecast Issued January 22 at 18:01).
  • ADN.com identified the victim as Amy Downing.

Update 1/29:

  • Find the full avalanche accident report at Avalanche.ca.
  • Avalanche.ca’s report states the accident occurred on Qua Peak near Ymir in the Selkirk Mountain Range of BC. Three skiers were spaced out while skiing the slope. The 3rd skier triggered the avalanche.  It was a size 2 avalanche that was skier triggered. It occurred on a SW aspect at 2100 meters. The slide was 40 meters wide and 40 cm deep. The slope was skied the previous day. Read more here.

Read more about the avalanche near Nelson, BC from the following sources: