Potato Peak (2206m), BC, Canada - backcountry skiing, avalanche

Avalanche size/type: Size 2, deep persistent slab

Aspect: East

Elevation: 1950 m

Number caught: 2

Number deceased: 2

Description: Two skiers were caught in an avalanche on an east-facing slope on Potato Peak, approximately 40 km south of Tatla Lake. The skiers had accessed the area using snowmobiles, but were skiing at the time of the accident. Both victims were fully buried and did not survive. Search and Rescue were notified when the victims were reported overdue. The victims were located and recovered from the accident location.

The avalanche ran on a layer of facets approximately 30-40 cm up from the base of the snowpack. The slope was characterized as highly wind-affected, containing areas of deeply wind-drifted snow and areas where the snow cover was thin and rocky. The crown depth was reported to be highly variable, between 40 and 130 cm.



Potato Peak


Location: Potato Peak, Cariboo, BC V0L 1W0, Canada

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