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Pemberton man killed in Mount Currie avalanche

A Pemberton man was killed in a Class 3 avalanche while skiing on Mount Currie Wednesday afternoon. The man, in his 30s, was part of a group of four backcountry skiers who had been dropped by helicopter on Mount Currie.

A Pemberton man was killed in a Class 3 avalanche while skiing on Mount Currie Wednesday afternoon.

The man, in his 30s, was part of a group of four backcountry skiers who had been dropped by helicopter on Mount Currie. The avalanche carried the man more than 300 metres over terrain that included cliffs.

He was found by his companions buried under about 30 cm of snow.

The other skiers, a man and two women, dug out the victim with shovels they carried. They also called for help on their cellphones.

The RCMP unleashed its Integrated Avalanche Rescue Plan, which includes the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol, Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association and the Whistler and Pemberton search and rescue teams, RCMP Staff Sergeant Steve LeClair said.

The man died on the mountainside, his remains carried by helicopter to Pemberton after RCMP brought the other skiers back to safety.

"These people were very well-equipped and had tons of experience," LeClair told Canadian Press. "We're encouraging people to use extreme caution when entering the backcountry" and that these tragedies can still happen despite being very well equipped.

The man's name is being withheld until his family is notified.

He is the 10 th person to die in a B.C. avalanche this season.