Today, two back country skiers remotely triggered a size 3 avalanche in
Coral 3 (local name for slide path just outside the Lake Louise Ski Area).
The pair of skiers set an uptrack across a bench and then onto the ridge on
the lookers right side of the feature that avalanched.
They skied a run straight down the middle of Coral 3 without incident. They
ski toured back up the slide path and re-connected with their old track,
making a second run. When they topped out on the ridge they triggered a
small avalanche that in sympathy triggered the bigger size 3 avalanche. The
skiers tracks (uptrack and ski line) were completely wiped out. Needless to
say, it was a very close call.
In the Rockies, now that the storm has passed, natural activity has
subsided. However, todays avalanche demonstrates that human involvement is
still quite likely on big alpine features.
Tread lightly.
Aaron Beardmore
Specialist, Visitor Safety Programs
Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay Parks
Box 900, Banff, AB
T1L 1K2
Ph: 403-762-1415
www.parksmountainsafety.ca
www.facebook.com/parksmountainsafety
www.twitter.com/ParksMtnSafety
(See attached file: IMG00393-20111204-1337.jpg)
(See attached file: IMG00402-20111204-1338.jpg)
(See attached file: Coral 3.jpg)
IMG00393-20111204-1337.jpg
Description: JPEG image
IMG00402-20111204-1338.jpg
Description: JPEG image
Coral 3.jpg
Description: JPEG image
_______________________________________________
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.
| 
