1 dead, 1 rescued after avalanche near Lake Louise: RCMP

One person is dead and another was rescued after an avalanche triggered near Lake Louise Ski Resort on Friday afternoon, RCMP say.

According to a Parks Canada report, the avalanche happened near Pipestone Bowl, an area outside the Lake Louise Ski Area.

Two people were skiing in the area at 3 p.m. when one of them triggered the avalanche, Parks Canada said. The skier was reportedly carried 50 metres by the avalanche and buried in 150-200 cm of snow.

The second skier searched the area using a transceiver, pulled the first skier out and began first aid, the agency said. Parks Canada Visitor Safety then brought the two to EMS.

RCMP confirmed that one skier died as a result of the incident and next of kin have not yet been notified. Officers responded to the reported avalanche at around 3:45 p.m.

According to Parks Canada, the region is currently at a "high" avalanche risk (Level 4) in the alpine elevation, and at "considerable" risk (Level 3) in and below the treeline.

Danger ratings are based on a five-level scale, with 1 being low risk and 5 being extreme risk.

"We want people to know that the resort is open, the avalanche was not at the resort and that we'll be open as usual. And we hope for the best for the people involved in the incident," said Dan Markham, communications director for Lake Louise Ski Resort.

The Lake Louise Fire Department, Search and Rescue, local Ski Patrol, employees of the resort, EMS, Parks Canada and STARS Air Ambulance all responded to the avalanche.

Police are asking anyone with information about people who were expected to be at or around the resort to contact Lake Louise RCMP or local police. Officers say the investigation is ongoing.