Avalanche at SilverStar

Photo: Glenn Bond

This avalanche came down on SilverStar Mountain Wednesday afternoon. A second avalanche came down on the Putnam Creek area, injuring one person. 

One person was flown to hospital by air ambulance following an avalanche at SilverStar Mountain Resort.

In a press release, officials with SilverStar said due to warming in temperatures, an isothermal avalanche occurred at SilverStar Mountain Resort on Wednesday afternoon.

An isothermal avalanche is when all layers of the snowpack are at the same temperature, typically at the freezing point, and often refers to a snowpack that is wet throughout its depth. This condition typically occurs in the spring or after many cycles of melting and freezing.

The incident happened just after noon on a double-black-diamond run on SilverStar's Putnam Creek. SilverStar said one male was involved in the incident and was transported to hospital by BC Air Ambulance.

Chantelle Deacon, spokesperson for SilverStar, said the extent of the man's injuries are not known at this time.

Deacon also said this is the first avalanche the Star has ever had.

SilverStar's backside, Putnam Creek has been closed to deal with the incident and will remain closed until further notice. SilverStar will provide more information as it becomes available.