Two Skier-Triggered Avalanches in Southeastern British Columbia

There were two backcountry skier-triggered avalanches in southeastern British Columbia over the weekend, one of which carried a skier over a steep, rocky cliff in the Balu Pass area of Glacier National Park. The incidents occurred just days before the Rogers Pass Winter Permit System takes effect for the 2025–26 season.

At Balu Pass, a Size 2 avalanche was triggered on a northeast-facing slope just below the pass. According to Avalanche Canada’s report, the first skier had stopped above a rocky feature when their partner dropped in above them and triggered the slope. The resulting slide swept the lower skier over the cliff, carrying them between 50 and 100 metres (165–330 feet) downslope.

The skier deployed an avalanche airbag and was partially buried but escaped with only bruises — a fortunate outcome given the exposure to rocks and trees in the path. The avalanche crown measured 30–60 centimetres deep and roughly 50 metres wide, with two smaller sympathetic avalanches triggered nearby. A fourth, smaller slide (Size 1) released later when another member of the group searched for a lost ski.

“Skier 1 dropped in just below Balu Pass (NE facing) where it’s steepest and a bit rocky. Skier 2 dropped in above, triggered the slope and skier 1 went for a ride over the cliff… Half buried, had pulled his avi bag, and wasn’t injured beyond bruises. He lost a ski. The crown is 1–2 feet, at least 50m wide, and it ran to where it flattens out.”
– Avalanche Canada, Balu Pass report

Meanwhile, at Harvey Pass, further south near Fernie, another skier triggered a Size 1–1.5 avalanche on the front face chutes. The skier, less experienced in ski cutting, released the slide on their second turn in a chute adjacent to the popular “Curveball” line. The avalanche carried them about 50 metres (165 feet) downslope in a sitting position, but their torso remained above the snow. The skier was able to dig out independently and ski away unharmed.

Observers at Harvey Pass reported roughly 30 centimetres of uniform early-season snow with no significant crusts.

“Watched a group of 4 ride Curveball without issues. Chose to ride the chute to the skier’s right of Curveball… Skier began to ride and triggered a size 1–1.5 avalanche on second turn. Skier was knocked down and carried about 50m. They were able to dig themself out and skied out from there.”
– Avalanche Canada, Harvey Pass report

Key Takeaways

Date: November 8, 2025

Locations: Balu Pass (Glacier National Park) and Harvey Pass (southeast BC)

Avalanche Sizes: Balu Pass – Size 2; Harvey Pass – Size 1–1.5

Injuries: Minor bruising; no fatalities

Contributing Factors: Wind loading, steep rocky terrain, early-season snowpack variability, and limited skier experience with slope testing

These early-season incidents are a stark reminder that it’s time to start thinking of the mountains as avalanche terrain and that even small slides can have serious consequences in steep terrain.

Avalanche Canada reminds backcountry users to check current conditions, carry avalanche safety equipment, and travel with trained partners.

Photos and reports courtesy of Avalanche Canada.