Three skiers died in a large avalanche in British Columbia's backcountry, with one critically injured.

Three skiers, including a 45-year-old American, were killed in a large avalanche in British Columbia's backcountry near Kootenay Lake on Monday. The incident occurred when two groups of skiers were in a staging area below the tree line. A transport helicopter pilot witnessed the avalanche and warned one group, but the other group of four was caught in the slide. Three were found dead, and one 40-year-old man from Nelson, BC, was critically injured. Avalanche Canada had warned of high danger ratings due to rising temperatures.