A skier in the backcountry faced a terrifying ordeal when caught in an avalanche, being buried up to their waist in snow and carried down a slope near Lake Louise. Fortunately, they emerged from the incident unscathed.
Parks Canada swiftly responded to the avalanche incident that occurred on the backcountry route known as the “Vortex,” situated beyond the boundaries of Lake Louise Ski Area in Banff National Park. The event was captured on video and shared by Parks Canada as a cautionary tale for other mountain enthusiasts.
The skier triggered a size 2 avalanche while descending a slope at approximately 2,450 meters elevation, as per Parks Canada. Avalanche Canada defines a size 2 avalanche as having the potential to ‘bury, injure, or kill a person.’
Characterized as a “deep persistent slab” avalanche, the snowpack featured a heavy layer atop a fragile layer near the ground. Avalanche expert Tyson Rettie explained that when the weak layer collapses, a significant amount of snow can slide at once, leading to larger and more destructive avalanches.
Guide Barry Blanchard from the Yamnuska Mountain School in Canmore noted that the avalanche left exposed rock in its path, indicating the extensive snow movement. He emphasized the fortunate outcome for the skier, who avoided traumatic injuries despite encountering rocks during the descent.
The skier’s luck extended to the snow only reaching their waist level, preventing potentially life-threatening asphyxiation common in such incidents, according to Blanchard.
Parks Canada praised the skiers involved for their experience, proper equipment, descending one by one, and designating a safe regrouping spot. Rettie highlighted the challenge of forecasting and identifying deep persistent slab avalanches, stressing the lack of warning signs compared to other avalanche types.
While current avalanche risks are moderate in alpine areas of Kananaskis Country and Banff, the concern mainly revolves around triggering deep slab avalanches. Rettie cautioned that it remains uncertain if this risk will persist throughout the ski season in the Bow Valley.
Backcountry enthusiasts were advised to stay vigilant, especially in areas with rapid snow depth changes like rocky regions or thin patches. Carrying essential rescue equipment, checking daily avalanche forecasts, and being prepared for emergencies were strongly recommended by Rettie to mitigate risks in avalanche-prone terrains.