By Dave Branco

backcountry caution

Shoulder season can be dangerous: Four die in avalanches over the weekend

Mar 24, 2026 | 2:08 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – This past weekend was deadly in B.C.’s backcountry. Four people died in two separate avalanches. Officials are warning that conditions may become even more dangerous as the season changes.

Three heli-skiers died on Mount Knauss, north of Terrace, after they were caught in a slide on Sunday. Another skier was killed near the BC/US border, about five hundred kilometres from Atlin, after being buried under a metre and a half of snow during a backcountry tour.

Avalanche Canada warned of high to extreme avalanche risk before the weekend because of heavy, wet snow, warm temperatures, and strong winds. WorkSafeBC also issued a safety bulletin to remind employers to protect their workers from avalanche hazards.

This year, the snowpack is behaving differently from previous years. Large natural avalanches have been reported across the province. Experts say it is important to make careful choices now.

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Four deaths in one weekend are a clear reminder that B.C.’s shoulder season can be the most dangerous time to be in the mountains.