Two skiers dead in avalanche near Revelstoke

Two skiers have died in an avalanche near Revelstoke.

According to a B.C. RCMP media release, a group of people had been heli-skiing in an area known as "Chocolate Bunnies" in the afternoon of Jan. 23 when the avalanche occurred.

Three skiers were caught in the avalanche and later transported via helicopter to local hospitals.

"Immediate action was taken on scene by all involved to locate the victims, provide first aid and transport by helicopter to hospital. Ultimately, the efforts to save the lives of the two skiers were unsuccessful," Revelstoke RCMP detachment commander Sgt. Chris Dodds said in a media release. "The third skier involved remains at hospital in serious condition."

Heli-skiing operator CMH Nomads told the Canadian Press that two guests and a guide were caught in the avalanche. Both guests were unresponsive when they were pulled from the snow.

Police say the avalanche occurred near Mount McCraenear at the Alkolkolex tenure southeast of Revelstoke.

Separately, a person was injured following an avalanche Keefer Lake area near Cherryville.

B.C. Emergency Health Services say a helicopter was dispatched but was unable to land, and an ambulance drove one person to hospital. Their condition is unknown.

One person died in an avalanche south of Valemount over the weekend.

— With files from The Canadian Press

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