Telkwa- The man who died in an avalanche yesterday in the area north of Stewart has been identified as Pat Lawrence Desmarais, 50 of Telkwa.

Yesterday afternoon Mr Desmarais and his partner were conducting a mining survey on a steep slope of Sulphurets Creek when the avalanche hit.

The partner was able to get himself out of the avalanche while Mr Desmarais was swept over a cliff about 300 meters.

He died at the scene. The Inspector of Mines and the coroner’s service are investigating.