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Search and rescue crews have been called to reports of an avalanche in the Naskiska area, about 100 kilometres west of Calgary.
RCMP confirm they received a call around 12:49 p.m. that two skiers were trapped in the avalanche that occurred in-bounds at the ski area.
A photo provided by a viewer of one of the helicopters involved in Friday’s rescue effort following an avalanche at the Nakiska ski area, west of Calgary.
Courtesy: Sheena Fiander
Personnel from several agencies responded to the area as part of the search and rescue effort.
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An RCMP spokesperson confirms one of the trapped skiers was able to get out on their own, but the second skier was “unresponsive” when found.
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A spokesperson for EMS confirms the skier who was able to get out was uninjured.
However, EMS said the second person, identified as a youth, was transported by ground ambulance to Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary in life-threatening (critical) condition.
This photo from a Global News viewer shows ambulances on scene at the Nakiska ski area on Friday afternoon after two people were swept up in an avalanche, critically injuring one of them.
Courtesy: Sheena Fiander
A spokesperson for the Nakiska Ski Area, provided a statement to Global News that said “Our hearts are with the family and friends of this individual. We are sending out deepest care to the family dealing with this horrible situation.”
The spokesperson added that a full investigation is underway and more details will be provided when they become available.
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Avalanche Canada says strong winds and new snow falling in the area mean the avalanche danger in the area is rated as high.
Source: avalanche.ca
Avalanche Canada has issued a warning that strong winds and new snow that fell in the area overnight Thursday and into Friday mean the avalanche danger in the area is high.
There have already been four avalanche-related fatalities in western Canada so far this season with three of them happening within the last 10 days.
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