Backcountry Skier Dies in Canadian Rockies
A sluff avalanche from a rock wall above is blamed for knocking a skier off balance
A 32-year-old man died after a backcountry skiing accident on the north face of Mount Temple near Lake Louise in Banff National Park. According to the RCMP, the man was from Saskatchewan and in a group of three.
“A single member of a party of three on the Aemmer Couloir of Mount Temple was hit by a sluff from the rock face above the couloir and knocked off his feet while cramponing,” notes an Avalanche Canada Mountain Information Network (MIN) report posted by Parks Canada. “The resulting fall was significant. The other members of the party descended safely to find their friend deceased from injuries sustained in the fall.”
The skiers notified Parks Canada by a cellphone call around 4 p.m. and Parks Canada visitor safety and Lake Louise RCMP responded. “The two surviving party members were evacuated by helicopter and the deceased was retrieved by sling rescue in the last few minutes of the light,” said the MIN report. STARS was also dispatched from Calgary.
Avalanche danger is rated as “high” this week in some mountain areas, always check conditions at Avalanche Canada here before heading out.
STAR-1 (Calgary) has been dispatched for a scene call emergency in the Siksika Nation, AB area
— STARS (@STARSambulance) January 28, 2024
Check out the latest buyer's guide:
