Manitoba backcountry snowmobiler says B.C. avalanche raised safety awareness

A Manitoba backcountry snowmobiler says he's more aware of safety after an avalanche near McBride, B.C., killed five riders on Friday.

"It's not surprising that this happened, and we actually travel with those risks all the time," Scott Magnusson said. "It's just very unfortunate and sad that these things do happen."

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He has been in a couple of small slides himself.

"It was only about 100 square metres, and it just took me and my snowmobile down just like a little sleigh. It was very small," he said.

Magnusson and his group usually head to Revelstoke, B.C., to snowmobile in the mountains. His group of four to 12 people explores areas with little or no tracks.

"Our riding isn't mostly going up steep, steep hills like you see on the videos," he said. "It's all about just carving the powder and having it hit your face and just having a great time getting stuck."

Mountain riding is becoming more popular in Manitoba, partially because snowmobiles are now being built to handle the mountains, Magnusson said. He recommends all riders get proper training, go with someone who's experienced in the area where they're riding and bring proper equipment.

Magnusson and his group travel with avalanche backpacks, which deploy an airbag when a cord on the shoulder is pulled. The three-feet-by-two-feet airbag is meant to keep the wearer at the surface during an avalanche.

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They also bring transceivers to help rescuers locate buried victims, probes to penetrate avalanche debris, shovels, two-way radios, phones, GPS, first aid kits and extra clothing.

"Our group chose to all have those so we can come home," he said.

He recommends travelling with a group of four or more who are all trained in avalanche safety.

"If there was ever to be an avalanche, you need those people to help you dig out," he said.

"Managing those risks is like with any other sport. We try to manage those and be as safe as we can."