Luck prevented 'worst ever' avalanche accident

A preliminary report into the deadly avalanche near Revelstoke, B.C., last weekend is crediting good luck and a rapid rescue response for limiting the death toll.

Two Alberta snowmobilers were killed and 31 others were injured after the massive avalanche swept through a group of 200 spectators watching an unofficial snowmobile event called the Big Iron Shootout on March 13.

"The only reason this accident has not gone down in the history books as Canada's worst avalanche accident is luck, coupled with the quick initial response," said the short report released by the Canadian Avalanche Association on Friday.

"Without either, the outcome of this incident would have been much worse."

Witnesses said many of those involved were trained in avalanche search techniques and were able to dig out dozens of people who were buried in the avalanche before they suffocated in the snow.

High-marking blamed for slide

Police have also credited repeatedwarning of a high risk of avalanches in the area for keeping many people from attending the popular event.

But despite the warnings theevent, whichinvolved snowmobilers racing up a steep snow-covered mountain slope to see who could reach the highest point, did go ahead.

"The trigger mechanism remains unconfirmed, but eyewitnesses report snowmobiles were high-marking on the slope at the time of the avalanche. We feel it is safe to assume this avalanche was human triggered by snowmobiling activities," said the report.

"Information about exactly what happened is still incomplete and some of what we have been told is unsubstantiated. We have been too busy here at the centre to prepare a comprehensive report, but we now have enough information to provide this overview of what we know at this time," the report.

The incident is also the subject of a police investigation, which could result in criminal charges, RCMP said earlier this week.