5 people rescued from avalanche west of Pemberton – BC [Video]

Emergency crews were deployed to an area north of Whistler on Monday, where five people were swept up in an avalanche.

Whistler RCMP said the slide occurred in a backcountry ski area known as “Meadow” on Ipsoot Mountain due west of Pemberton.

Five skiers, including one guide, were caught up in the avalanche.

“Five people were initially deemed missing, but have all since been located,” RCMP Staff Sgt. Kris Clark said in an email.

Police said four of the skiers were fully buried, while one was partially buried.

A group rescue effort was quickly initiated and was able to dig two skiers out quickly.

The other two were buried for “up to 10 minutes” before they were rescued, police said.

B.C. Emergency Health Services said it was called about the avalanche shortly after 1:30 p.m., and that paramedics and search and rescue crews were deployed.