Backcountry Skier Killed in Size 4 Avalanche Near Haines Pass, B.C.

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A backcountry skier died Sunday afternoon after a large avalanche buried two members of a touring group near Haines Pass in northwestern British Columbia, 93 miles southwest of Whitehorse, Yukon. One skier was fully buried at five feet and did not survive, while a second skier was partially buried and sustained minor injuries.

Why it matters

Avalanche incidents in the Haines Pass area are not uncommon, with eight people killed in avalanches around Haines since 2012. This tragedy highlights the risks associated with backcountry skiing and the importance of proper safety precautions in areas with high avalanche danger.

The details

According to Avalanche Canada's preliminary incident report, the group of five was ski touring 2.8 miles northwest of Mount McDonell when the fourth skier triggered the slide. The avalanche was classified as a Size 4, large enough to destroy cars, damage trucks, demolish small buildings, and break trees. It began as a wind slab before descending to the mid-February facet or crust layer and striking the moraine at the slope's base. The slide travelled 2,300 feet on a northwest-facing slope in the alpine zone at an elevation of 4,400 feet.

• The incident occurred on Sunday, March 24, 2026.
• Avalanche Canada rated the danger in the Haines Pass area as 'considerable' at the time of the incident.

What’s next

The B.C. coroner's office is investigating and has not released the identity of the deceased.