Skier Survives Avalanche on Canmore Peak
A good reminder to start early when going for snowy objectives this time of year
A skier is lucky to be alive after being caught in a big avalanche in Miner’s Gully next to Ha Ling Peak above Canmore. They were carried for around 500 metres.
On a Mountain Information Network (MIN) post, the solo skier triggered a large full-depth slide within the first two turns at around 2 p.m. They were not buried, but were carried down the full gully. People witnessed the avalanche and called 911, Kananaskis Mountain Rescue arrived shortly after.
“Once it was confirmed that the solo skier was OK, the debris was searched with a helicopter external transceiver and RECCO device with no other clues found,” states the post on Avalanche Safety. The temperature was 12 C at the time.
“This avalanche serves as a good reminder of why it is important to start early and finish early during spring conditions,” states the MIN post. “It is a very clear example of how stability can dramatically deteriorate with intense daytime warming. This increases the probability of triggering loose wet and/or dangerous deep persistent and wet slab avalanches.”
