UPDATE: 1 dead after avalanche near Merritt

A man died Saturday in an avalanche located in a backcountry area near Merritt. 

"The victim was located by searchers, but sadly he did not survive," RCMP spokesman Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey said in a statement.

The man's identity will not be released.

The BC Coroners Service has been notified and is investigating the man's death, said O'Donaghey.

Merritt RCMP received a report  Jan. 4  at 12:41 p.m.,of an avalanche near Cabin Lake and Prospect Creek. Initial reports from the scene indicate that one person is confirmed trapped and in need of urgent care.

The incident is developing and updates may be provided as they become available.

The general public is urged to monitor the Avalanche Canada website for conditions in their area and use extra caution when travelling in the back country.

The RCMP continues to encourage people to monitor Avalanche Canada for conditions and use extra caution travelling in the backcountry, according to the statement.

Avalanche Canada, a not-for-profit organization that issues daily avalanche forecasts in the winter, maintained high danger ratings for several areas in the province at alpine and treeline elevations.

A high danger rating indicates very dangerous avalanche conditions and travel in the terrain is not recommended, according to the not-for-profit organization's website. Natural avalanches are likely and human-triggered ones are very likely.

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