One Snowmobiler Killed in an Avalanche Near Tumbler Ridge, BC, Canada
Three snowmobilers were in the Bullmoose riding area near Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, when one of them was buried by an avalanche in a fatal incident on December 30, 2025. The avalanche measured approximately 984 feet (300 meters) wide by 787 feet (240 meters), with a crown between 9 feet (2.75 meters) and 6.5 feet (2 meters) thick, according to Avalanche Canada. Despite rescue attempts by the other snowmobilers, the person could not be saved.
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The weather was reported to be snowing heavily with strong winds and rising temperatures. SAR team members reported temperatures above freezing, 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3°C), during the initial response. The danger rating in the area was classified as considerable, which means natural avalanches are possible and human-triggered avalanches are likely.
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The 2024-25 Canadian Avalanche season saw 2,649 avalanche forecasts published with seven total fatalities. This is the first fatality in Canada of the 2025-26 season, and the third in North America.
PhotosRight-hand side of the avalanche taken the day after a snowmobiler was killed. | Photo: Avalanche Canada Photo of the left side of the avalanche. Photo was taken the day after the incident. | Photo: Avalanche Canada
Overview photo showing the whole avalanche. Photo was taken the day after the incident. | Photo: Avalanche Canada Tumbler Ridge avalanche fatality location. | Image: Avalanche Canada
Posted by Gregg Frantz | January 2, 2026 Related Articles Shop daily deals on gear now! Got an opinion? Let us know. Cancel replyAbout the author
Gregg FrantzSkier, Dog Lover, Winter Camping, U.S. Army Veteran, Staff Writer at SnowBrains