Golden-Field: The Golden-Field RCMP has confirmed that a fatal avalanche occurred in the Quartz Creek area West of Golden, BC on Saturday.
Police received notification just after 12:00 pm (MST) that an Emergency GPS Spot Beacon had been activated in the Quartz Creek snowmobiling area, west of Golden, BC. The initial call indicated that there had been an avalanche and that two people had been buried.
The Golden-Field RCMP immediately activated Golden and District Search and Rescue (GADSAR), who mobilized and flew into the area by helicopter to survey the scene. GADSAR was able to confirm that a group of 4 snowmobilers were involved in the size three avalanche.
GADSAR then conducted the rescue of a 40 year old male, from Winnipeg, who was transported to the Golden and District General Hospital and treated for serious but non-life threatening injuries.
A second male, a 30 year old from Calgary, is believed to have died as a result of the avalanche. Two other males, also from Calgary, were uninjured and transported back to Golden.
At this time, the Golden-Field RCMP will continue to offer assistance to BC Coroner’s Service, who will be investigating the incident. says Cst. Spencer LAINCHBURY with the Golden-Field RCMP.
The Golden-Field RCMP would like to remind back country enthusiasts to check current avalanche conditions through the Avalanche Canada’s website: http://www.avalanche.ca. The website also provides resources for training and avalanche awareness.