‘This is hard on all of us’: Whistler-area avalanche kills snowboarder, second death in two days

WHISTLER (NEWS 1130) — A man has died in an avalanche near Whistler Saturday, marking the second fatality in the Sea to Sky backcountry in as many days.

Crews were called out to the Brandywine Bowl around 2:15 p.m. after multiple people were “swept up” in an avalanche. Two people were rescued, and one was missing.

“Approximately 45 minutes later the 45-year-old male from the Sea to Sky was located, and unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries,” says a statement from Squamish RCMP.

“It is believed the group of three were caught in an initial avalanche and while trying to get out of the area another avalanche occurred which the trio was unable to avoid.”

A man has died in an avalanche in the Sea to Sky backcountry. The is the second life lost in an avalanche in as many days during a devastating winter. This is the seventh death in the area since Dec. 28. Avalanche danger remains high. https://t.co/7vAudpFzyw

— Lisa Steacy (@lisa_steacy) February 14, 2021

On Friday, a man skiing near Blackcomb Glacier died following a size three avalanche. Three other people were rescued.

Sgt. Sascha Banks is pleading with people to stay out of the backcountry, noting there have been a “multitude of injuries,” and four serious search and rescue calls in the last three days.

“The backcountry in the Sea to Sky is not stable at the moment. It’s time to wait and postpone your touring trip here for another time,” she says in a statement.

“This is hard on all of us: Search teams, bystanders, police, and most importantly the loved ones of those who have died and been injured. Their stories have valuable lessons which we all need to learn from.”

North Shore Rescue warned those venturing out over the weekend to “exercise a heightened degree of caution.”

Saturday’s fatal avalanche brings the total number of people who have died in the Sea to Sky backcountry since Dec. 28 to seven.