Searchers recover body of B.C. avalanche victim

A search and rescue team has recovered the body of an Alberta man killed in an avalancheMonday in a remote area near Rossland, B.C.

The 30-year-old victim was brought outlateTuesday from the avalanche site near Mount Mackie, police said.

The manwasamong a group of snowmobilers who were heading to the backcountry to ski.

Three other snowmobilers in the same party escaped the avalanche at about 3:30 PM PT and went for help.

Police say all four men were experienced and equipped with the proper backcountry gear.

More than 40 search and rescue officials responded to the call Monday. One searcher managed to locate the man's body,but was forced to leave the areaquickly because of the danger of more slides.

The identity of the deceased has not been made public athis family's request, police said.

This is the first avalanche death of theseason in B.C. Last season, the worst on record, a total of 19 people were killed in avalanches in B.C.

Rossland is about 850 kilometres east of Vancouver.