By The Canadian Press

Calgary man dies in Banff avalanche

Mar 19, 2019 | 6:53 AM

BANFF- RCMP say a 36-year-old Calgary man has died after being swept up in an avalanche in Banff National Park.

Const. Mike Hibbs says two men were skiing in the backcountry near Egypt Lake on Saturday when they were caught in the slide.

Police say the first man freed the other and went to the Egypt Lake shelter for help.

Parks Canada says the injured man was taken to Banff Mineral Springs Hospital where he later died. 

Meanwhile, people who are heading into the backcountry are being advised to heed regional avalanche forecasts.

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Avalanche Canada has issued a widespread public warning in partnership with Parks Canada and Alberta’s Kananaskis Country for a number of regions in Alberta, B.C. and the Yukon.

Warmer weather this week will increase the likelihood of avalanches at a time when more people are heading to the mountains.

The three organizations say anyone who plans to snowshoe or explore the front country should also be aware that many popular summer trails are exposed to avalanche terrain, so people should plan ahead and research their route to avoid those areas. 

(The Canadian Press)