High avalanche danger complicates successful search for three sledders in B.C.

REVELSTOKE, B.C. – Three sledders are safe and well after becoming lost on Boulder Mountain near Revelstoke, B.C., after two of them to spend the night outdoors in high avalanche conditions.

Revelstoke RCMP say the two Alberta men, aged 39 and 51, were found early Friday, shortly after searchers resumed an air and land search.

A 33-year-old man had been found early Thursday evening but dangerous conditions meant rescue efforts for the other two had to be suspended overnight.

An RCMP news release says the pair was spotted and lifted out of the area by helicopter because of medical concerns and the risk of slides.

Avalanche Canada issued a special warning to recreational backcountry users on Thursday advising that the snowpack is unstable "to a critical point" across most of central and southeastern B.C., making it likely that skiers or sledders could trigger large slides.

Avalanche forecasters say there have been several incidents over the last week, including a fatal slide involving a Calgary man north of Fernie, and anyone venturing out in the current conditions requires expert-level knowledge about managing potential dangers.