By David F. Rooney
An investigation into Saturday’s fatal avalanche on Boulder Mountain by the RCMP’s 10-officer Major Crime Unit could result in criminal charges, says RCMP spokesman Cpl. Dan Moskaluk.
“If evidence to support a charge under the Criminal Code is obtained, a report will be forwarded to Crown Counsel recommending criminal charges,” he said this morning.
The RCMP Southeast District Major Crimes Unit has been assigned to the investigation. A team of 10 investigators arrived in Revelstoke on Monday afternoon.
Moskaluk said in a telephone interview the fact that the MCU has been assigned the task of reviewing the physical evidence and witness accounts of the event “is reflective of the importance we place on this incident.”
Two Alberta men, Shat Snortland and Kurtis Reynolds, died in the avalanche at Turbo Bowl on March 13 while 31 other people were injured, four of them seriously.
“Given the number of people that attended this event, and the uniqueness of the circumstances, it will be a lengthy and complex investigation,” he said.
Investigators will not only speak with the victims they will be seeking the organizers of the event, locating and examining physical evidence and speaking with the event’s organizers.
