British Columbia’s 2025-2026 Avalanche Season Claims 12 Lives

British Columbia, June 2026 - The 2025-2026 avalanche season in British Columbia has resulted in 12 fatalities, according to Avalanche Canada’s fatal incident database.

This total, recorded between October 2025 and early June 2026, marks one of the deadlier seasons in recent years.

Beautiful but potentially deadly. October 2025 to early June 2026, marks one of the deadlier seasons in recent years.

The toll includes multiple incidents, notably two separate events on March 22, 2026 near Knauss Mountain (3 fatalities, mechanized skiing) and Haines Pass (1 fatality, backcountry skiing), along with several single-fatality incidents involving snowmobilers and backcountry skiers throughout the winter and into mid-April.

Compared to previous seasons, 12 deaths is above the recent average (typically 4–8 per season in B.C.) but remains below the province’s worst years on record.

For context, the 2015-2016 season saw 14 fatalities, one of the higher recent totals according to historical data tracked by Avalanche Canada.

March remains Canada’s deadliest month for avalanches on average, driven by deeper snowpacks, warming temperatures, and increased backcountry activity in late winter and early spring.

As of early June 2026, current avalanche conditions have improved significantly across much of British Columbia as the snowpack melts at lower elevations and the winter recreation season winds down. However, Avalanche Canada continues to warn that hazards can persist in alpine terrain, especially during periods of warming and spring snowmelt.

Backcountry users are urged to check the latest forecasts before heading out.

For the full list of incidents and the most up-to-date information, visit Avalanche Canada’s Fatal Avalanche Incidents database: https://incidents.avalanche.ca/

Avalanche Canada’s national database, which documents every known avalanche fatality in Canada dating back to 1782, provides valuable historical context for understanding these risks.

Note: While daily public avalanche forecasts have ended for the season, the 2025-2026 avalanche season is not yet considered fully over.

Avalanche hazards can persist in alpine terrain well into spring and early summer.

British Columbia’s 2025-2026 Avalanche Season Claims 12 Lives