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Search suspended for missing snowshoer caught in avalanche north of Mt. Seymour

Deteriorating weather over Vancouver's rugged North Shore mountains has delayed the search for a missing snowshoer in an avalanche-prone area.
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AVALANCHE An aerial view of Runner Peak, north of the Mt. Seymour ski area, and the location where a search was launched Monday for two hikers caught in an avalanche. Photo supplied, North Shore Rescue

Deteriorating weather over Vancouver's rugged North Shore mountains has delayed the search for a missing snowshoer in an avalanche-prone area.

A spokesman for North Shore Rescue says in an email that weather conditions are expected to improve by mid-week, but low cloud and up to 10 centimetres of snow are forecast in the search area north of Mount Seymour.

The snowshoer is believed to have been swept away by an avalanche near Runner Peak on Monday.

The victim's friend was able to cling to a tree and call for help, and he was airlifted off the peak by late afternoon.

Challenging conditions, including the threat of further slides, forced suspension of the search overnight.

Avalanche conditions are rated as moderate at higher elevations of the North Shore mountains, but Avalanche Canada says 30 to 50 centimetres of recent snow may have created a risk of snow slab avalanches.