Backcountry Skier Killed in Avalanche Near Joffre Lakes Park

A backcountry skier has died following an avalanche near Joffre Peak, close to the popular Joffre Lakes Park in British Columbia’s Sea-to-Sky region.

According to Pemberton RCMP, officers were notified of a missing person around 2 p.m. Tuesday. The individual had been skiing in backcountry terrain near the Anniversary Glacier, east of Pemberton and near Mount Matier.

Police say an avalanche occurred in the area where the skier was believed to be traveling.

“Pemberton Search and Rescue located the missing person deceased and recovery is ongoing,” said RCMP Insp. Robert Dykstra Tuesday evening.

Avalanche Canada confirmed it had been made aware of the incident.

Fourth fatality of the season

The death marks B.C.’s fourth avalanche-related fatality this winter, and the third recorded in the last week.

Last Thursday, a skier was killed after being buried in an avalanche east of Revelstoke during a guided trip. The previous week, a snowmobiler died near Fernie, and in December, another snowmobiler was killed near Tumbler Ridge in northeast B.C.

The recent incidents come amid fluctuating but elevated avalanche risk across southwestern parts of the province.

Elevated avalanche danger

Avalanche Canada had issued a high avalanche danger rating for the Sea-to-Sky region on Monday following a weekend storm. That rating was downgraded to considerable on Tuesday.

On Canada’s five-level avalanche danger scale, “considerable” is the third-highest rating, below “high” and “extreme.” It indicates dangerous avalanche conditions where human-triggered slides are likely.

Forecasters warned Tuesday that avalanche danger could spike again with additional snowfall and strong winds expected midweek.

“Avalanche danger may increase Wednesday afternoon with new snow and strong winds,” Avalanche Canada said.

Popular but challenging terrain

Joffre Peak sits within Joffre Lakes Park, one of B.C.’s most visited alpine destinations. Prior to the introduction of a day-use pass system, the park saw approximately 180,000 annual visitors, making it a hub for hiking, skiing and mountaineering.

While the area is popular, it also features steep, glaciated terrain that can become highly unstable during periods of rapid snowfall, wind loading or temperature shifts.

Authorities continue to urge backcountry users to check avalanche forecasts, carry proper safety equipment and travel with training and caution during elevated risk periods.

The identity of the deceased has not yet been released.