Searchers recover body of B.C. avalanche victim

A search and rescue team has recovered the body of an Alberta man killed in an avalanche Monday in a remote area near Rossland, B.C.

The 30-year-old victim was brought out late Tuesday from the avalanche site near Mount Mackie, police said.

The man was among a group of snowmobilers who were heading to the backcountry to ski.

Three other snowmobilers in the same party escaped the avalanche at about 3:30 PM PT and went for help.

Police say all four men were experienced and equipped with the proper backcountry gear.

More than 40 search and rescue officials responded to the call Monday. One searcher managed to locate the man's body, but was forced to leave the area quickly because of the danger of more slides.

The identity of the deceased has not been made public at his family's request, police said.

This is the first avalanche death of the season in B.C. Last season, the worst on record, a total of 19 people were killed in avalanches in B.C.

Rossland is about 850 kilometres east of Vancouver.