In a tragic turn of events, two individuals lost their lives in separate avalanches in the Rocky Mountains this past Friday. The incidents highlight the growing concerns regarding avalanche safety as winter sports enthusiasts flock to the backcountry.

A 34-year-old woman from Calgary was pronounced dead after being caught in an avalanche near Mount Black Prince, located in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), they received a distress call at 4:16 p.m. regarding an avalanche that affected a group of four backcountry skiers. This woman was reportedly swept away by a snow slide approximately 100 meters wide, which she may have inadvertently triggered. Despite the immediate efforts from her friends and first responders, she was declared deceased at the scene.

In a separate incident later that day near Lake Louise, another skier was killed after being trapped in an avalanche while skiing out of bounds. At around 3 p.m., he was engulfed by a snow slide that was triggered while he was returning from the Pipestone Bowl. The skier's partner attempted to perform a transceiver search and provide first aid, but unfortunately, he was also declared dead shortly after.

Avalanche Canada has issued a warning about the current "considerable" avalanche risk across much of the region. Tyson Rettie, an avalanche forecaster, noted that recent heavy snowfall has combined with weak snow layers dating back to late January, creating a perilous situation for skiers and snowboarders. "Some of the weak layers could persist and keep the danger elevated for some time, and human-triggering is quite likely," Rettie cautioned, advising outdoor enthusiasts to take extra precautions.

This winter alone has resulted in four avalanche-related fatalities in the mountainous areas west of Calgary, extending into British Columbia. Historically, the average annual fatalities in these areas hover around 10 to 11, despite an increase in recreational activity and awareness surrounding avalanche safety.

As fatalities continue to occur, authorities are striving to enhance education and training opportunities for those venturing into backcountry terrains. It’s imperative that skiers and snowboarders stay informed about current conditions and take appropriate safety measures before heading out.

The recent incidents serve as a somber reminder to respect the power of nature and the importance of avalanche safety for all winter sports participants.