5 Snowmobilers Dead in Canadian Avalanche, Authorities Say

— -- Five snowmobilers were killed in an avalanche Friday night in British Columbia, Canada, authorities said.

The incident happened in a remote area in a national park that is popular with snowmobilers, near Mount Renshaw.

The avalanche appeared to be triggered by humans, authorities said.

"There are layers of concern in the snowpack in many parts of this region (and others) and a fairly significant weather event added rain and snow to the snowpack over the last few days followed by clearing and cooling today," according to Karl Klassen of Avalanche Canada in a statement. "This may have produced stresses in the snowpack capable of producing large avalanches and this condition could take several days to settle and bond."

A helicopter was sent in to the area for assistance, and two search-and-rescue technicians were on the scene.

According to Barb McLintock of the B.C. Coroners Service, two coroners were dispatached and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were looking into the situation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.