Home > Mountain

Climbers Buried in Mount Athabasca Avalanche

Silverhorn on Mount Athabasca

Two climbers were heading up the Silverhorn route of Mount Athabasca in the Canadian Rockies with the slope avalanche and they were carried 600 metres to the base.

The climbers were roped together near 3,200 metres on the north-facing climb when the avalanche occurred at around 10:30 a.m.

They were about 200 metres from the top of the route. “The leader was partially buried, with head and one arm exposed; partner was on the surface,” reads the report on Mountain Conditions.

“They both had a shovel, probe and beacon and were used to excavate the leader. The team was taken by helicopter to Jasper with serious, but not life threatening injuries.”

It’s been snowing for the past few weeks on and off in the area and winds have created isolated wind slabs in the alpine.

“Parks Canada would like to thank the ACMG guides who witnessed the avalanche, reported it and initially assisted the two subjects.”

Be sure to check avalanche conditions here and to bring avalanche gear if you’re heading into a dangerous area.

Avalanche on Silverhorn in Sept. 2018

Check out the latest buyer's guide:

The Best Climbing Gear According to Our Editors – March

Every month we're bringing you our favourite gear so you can complete your climbing kit with the latest and best stuff out there