British Columbia Daily Digest — 2026-01-01

Yukon–Alaska quakes strike near Haines Junction

• Three earthquakes hit the same region near the Yukon–Alaska border in the final hours of 2025, according to Earthquakes Canada.
• Magnitudes and times (PST): 5.7 at about 10:47 p.m., 5.0 at about 10:51 p.m., and 5.3 at about 10:55 p.m. on Dec. 31.
• Epicentres were roughly 140–143 km west of Haines Junction, Y.T.
• The 5.7 quake was located in Alaska; the rumble was felt in Whitehorse, Y.T.
• No reports of damage were received and none were expected.

Official response and notes on aftershocks

• Earthquakes Canada tracked the sequence as a mainshock (5.7) followed by two sizable aftershocks (5.0 and 5.3).
• The timing — minutes apart and just before midnight on Dec. 31 — reduced immediate public disruption; monitoring continues for further activity.

Death of a 16‑year‑old in Vancouver under investigation

• Police found the body of a 16‑year‑old girl in east Vancouver near the Pacific National Exhibition (East Pender, near Renfrew) after a 9‑1‑1 call on Tuesday morning.
• She had been reported missing earlier the same day to North Vancouver RCMP; neighbours reported VPD canvassing around midnight when a phone "pinged" to a nearby address.
• Vancouver Police and North Vancouver RCMP are investigating; authorities are asking anyone with information or footage to contact police.

Avalanche kills snowmobiler near Tumbler Ridge

• A snowmobiler died after being buried by an avalanche in the Bullmoose area near Tumbler Ridge, northeastern B.C.
• Three riders triggered the avalanche remotely from the slope base; one was fully buried and did not survive despite rescue attempts.
• Avalanche dimensions: ~300 m wide × 240 m long; crown estimated 75 cm to 2 m thick. Area was wind‑affected.

Avalanche risk and safety context

• Avalanche Canada rated the danger in the area as "considerable," meaning human‑triggered and possible natural avalanches.
• The incident underscores ongoing winter backcountry risk — travellers should check forecasts, carry safety gear (transceiver, probe, shovel) and travel with trained partners.

How to help / watch for updates

• For the Vancouver investigation, anyone with information or video from East Pender/Renfrew should contact VPD or North Vancouver RCMP.
• Earthquakes Canada and Avalanche Canada continue to post updates online and via social channels.