Three skiers caught in avalanche in Orca Bowl outside of Fernie Sunday
Fernie Search and Rescue was called for support after three skiers were caught in an avalanche in the Orca Bowl.
SAR crews say the skiers were involved in a size 3 skier-triggered avalanche on Sunday, where one skier was fully buried and dug out by his group.
Fernie SAR avalanche technicians responded with Ascent Helicopters and were able to extricate the injured skier.
SAR crews say good luck prevented this incident from having a much worse outcome.
Avalanche Canada warns that the avalanche risk is considerable throughout the entire East Kootenay and Elk Valley region.
They say storm slabs and buried weak layers can surprise and create large avalanche conditions.
Forecasters add you should assess conditions while you travel and watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, cracking and recent avalanches.
Fernie SAR was tasked today to respond to an avalanche in Orca Bowl. Three skiers were involved in a Size 3 skier-triggered avalanche. One skier was fully buried and dug out by his ski companions.Fernie SAR Avalanche Technicians responded with Ascent Helicopters to extricate the injured skier. A combination of good luck and rapid response by his companions meant that this event did not have a much worse outcome.Thanks to various members of the public as well as Island Lake Lodge guides for being so quick to report the slide despite it being outside of their property.#bcsara@ascenthelicopters
Posted by Fernie Search and Rescue on Sunday, December 11, 2022