Eight nonavalanche snow-immersion deaths a 6-year series from british columbia ski areas.

The non-avalanche-related snow immersion death (NARSID) appears to be an emerging fatality pattern in Alpine skiing and snowboarding in western North America. Of 32 skiing fatalities that occurred in British Columbia from 1993 to 1998, 8 were NARSIDs. Six deaths occurred when victims suffocated after falling into tree wells around conifers; two victims asphyxiated after falling into a deep snowbank. Seven were Alpine skiers and one was a snowboarder; all had advanced skiing or snowboarding skills. All recorded NARSIDs occurred during or immediately after heavy snowstorms. The patterns found here suggest prevention strategies and show the importance of using avalanche rescue dogs as early as possible in the search for missing skiers and snowboarders.