There was an avalanche involvement at Bow Summit today. We only have an
account from the two people who were involved, and no further information.
The terrain feature that avalanched was described as the big couloir/gulley
above the bench at Bow Summit. They were boot packing up the middle of the
main feature and 75% of the way up, when it fractured 20 metres above them.
Both skiers rode for what they described as top to bottom, or around 250
metres. Both were partially buried and thrown to the very tip of the debris
pile. They were quite uncertain exactly how big this avalanche was, or to
what kind of layer it slid on. Both had minor injuries, self extricated and
self transported to Banff. They described being ground over rocks and
surface terrain features that can be expected so early in the season.
Despite the magnitude of the length of ride, they were very lucky.
Parks Canada staff will be investigating further tomorrow. That is the
extent of the information available for now, but winter and its associated
hazards are here in the Rockies.
Aaron Beardmore
Specialist, Mountain Safety Programs
Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay Parks
Box 900, Banff, AB
T1L 1K2
Ph: 403-762-1415
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These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.