The coroner's service is urging backcountry enthusiasts to be properly prepared before they head out at the peak of avalanche season.
The service says that in recent years, people have become more aware of the danger of slides, and are carrying safety equipment such as tranceivers, shovels and probes.
But many people don't have enough training to quickly rescue themselves or someone else who could suffocate in minutes when buried in the snow.
The Canadian Avalanche Centre offers a basic online course on its website, which provides information about advanced training.
Among other things, the CAC recommends keeping the following in mind when doing any activities in an avalanche-risk area:
- Before you leave, ask yourself why you're going. This helps you keep a goal in mind and may deter you from deciding to take that unmarked trail mid-trip.
- Control your own risk by choosing where, when and how you travel. Bad weather and poor visibility may mean you need to reschedule.
- Choose your trip companions wisely. People with different objectives and preferences may not be able to form a cohesive group and may put themselves or others at risk in the backcountry.
- Make sure you have the proper gear. An avalanche transciever, probe and shovel are increasingly being taken on backcountry trips.
With files from The Canadian Press.
