Revelstoke avalanche deaths — no charges laid

Revelstoke avalanche update.

RCMP.

No criminal charges will be laid in relation to the avalanche that killed two snowmobilers this spring near Revelstoke.

The RCMP investigation has established that on March 13th a loosely organized event was being held however was limited to a drag race type format on a flatter portion of the valley to avoid the high avalanche risk areas. This event did not include a high marking component.

Once the drag racing event ended a large number of people did choose to ignore avalanche warnings and went to a nearby hill known as Turbo Bowl to take part in or watch high marking. An avalanche was triggered catching nearly 200 people in its path and killing two. There is no evidence to show that the high marking was part of the Big Iron Shootout or sanctioned by any event organizer.

Police did not submit a recommendation to Crown Counsel asking for criminal charges. The RCMP has reviewed the findings of the investigation with BC Crown Counsel and there is no evidence to support charges against any of the organizers or people involved.