GOLDEN, B.C. — An avalanche seriously hurt two people and sent several others to hospital near a British Columbia community, not far from where a snowmobiler died in another slide this weekend.
RCMP say a group of 13 people were skiing as part of a guided tour on Sunday morning near Esplanade Mountain, west of Golden, when an avalanche was triggered.
Police said a 64-year-old man from Canmore, Alta., was flown to Calgary by helicopter in critical condition, while a 58-year-old woman from Calgary was transported by helicopter to Kamloops with serious injuries that weren't believed to be life-threatening.
Four others were treated for minor injuries in hospital in Golden.
Everyone was located, Const. Spencer Lainchbury said.
A spokesperson for the B.C. Ambulance Service said its crews have cleared the scene.
On Saturday, a 30-year-old Calgary man was killed and a 40-year-old man from Winnipeg was taken to hospital when an avalanche struck four riders in the Quartz Creek area west of Golden.
Avalanche Canada issued a warning Friday as potentially deadly snow conditions develop on slopes across parts of eastern and southeastern British Columbia.
Police, as well as the province's minister in charge of emergency preparedness, reminded people to take heed of avalanche conditions when they head out.
"This weekend has brought more tragedy to our mountains because of avalanches. Our hearts break for the families of those who have lost loved ones to B.C.'s backcountry this season," Naomi Yamamoto said in a news release Sunday.
"I love the outdoors. It's what makes B.C. so remarkable. But it can be dangerous, even when you equip yourself with the proper training and tools for survival. The risk is real. Avalanche Canada's warning is still in effect."
Almost a month ago, five snowmobilers were killed in an avalanche in B.C.
The five victims, all men from Alberta ranging in age from their early 40s to early 60s, died Jan. 29 near McBride.