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Avalanche injures 1 person in backcountry near Whitewater Ski Resort

The person sustained serious injuries
Nelson Star Staff
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Whitewater staff help rescue a person who was caught in an avalanche just outside the ski resort’s boundaries on Jan. 6. Photo: Douglas Noblet

One person was injured in an avalanche on Jan. 6 in a backcountry area outside Whitewater Ski Resort.

Avalanche Canada reported the person was with two others in an area known as Goat Slide. The skier who triggered the avalanche sustained serious injuries after being swept through trees and cliff terrain.

The skier wasn’t buried by snow. They were rescued by 11 Whitewater staff members.

Avalanche Canada notes Goat Slide is easily accessed by Whitewater’s Raven Chair, which began operating this season.

As of Wednesday, Avalanche Canada rates the area that includes Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Nakusp, Cranbrook, Kimberley and Grand Forks as a three out of five, or considerable danger for avalanches.

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This map shows the location of an avalanche that injured one person on Jan. 6 near Whitewater Ski Resort. The blue and red marker noting the incident’s location shows it just outside the resort’s boundaries. Map: Avalanche Canada

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About the Author: Nelson Star Staff

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