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Fatalities averted in Castle Mountain avalanche

Feb 15, 2019 | 3:35 PM

PINCHER CREEK –  Two people were rescued after getting caught in an avalanche  Friday (Feb 15) morning at Castle Mountain Ski resort in southwestern Alberta.

The incident happened near the top station of Tamarack (Red) Chairlift.

One individual was completely buried in the avalanche that occurred in-bounds near the ski lift, while the other was partially covered by the snow and debris.

Castle Mountain Resort’s Mountain Safety Team (Ski Patrol) were able to rescue both people and emergency crews determined they did not need to be transferred to hospital.

The resort confirms the avalanche did not damage any infrastructure, including lifts.

The area remains under a Snowfall Warning, with another five centimetres of snow possible on Saturday.

The rating for avalanche danger is “High” at the alpine level and “Considerable” below the treeline.  The current rating is expected to remain throughout the Family Day long weekend.