Яндекс.Метрика
2025-11-11

[PHOTOS] Skier Carried Over Steep, Rocky Cliff After 2 Separate Skier-Triggered Avalanches in British Columbia





Backcountry skiers triggered two separate early-season avalanches in British Columbia on November 8, just before the official winter permit season opening at Rogers Pass.



Related: The Dangers of Early Season Backcountry Skiing



The more severe incident occurred at Balu Pass, where a Size 2 avalanche swept a skier over a steep rocky cliff for 165 to 330 feet (50 to 100 meters). The skier, who was standing above the cliff when their partner dropped in above them and triggered the slide, deployed an avalanche airbag, was partially buried, and lost a ski but suffered only bruises despite the hazardous terrain. Two smaller, sympathetically triggered avalanches accompanied the main slide, and a fourth, size 1, was triggered by a group member while searching for a lost ski.

“Skier 1 dropped in just below Balu Pass (NE facing) where its steepest and a bit rocky. Looks wind loaded. He stopped on top of the rocky cliffy bit (top of dark blue spot). Skier2 (teal x) dropped in, triggered the slope and skier 1 went for a ride over the cliff, came to a stop 50 to 100m lower. Half buried, had pulled his avi bag, and wasn’t injured beyond bruises. He lost a ski. The crown is 1-2 feet, at least 50m wide, and it ran to where it flattens out. Small slope, but skier 1 was lucky to not get hurt in the cliffs or trees.”

– Balu Pass Avalanche Canada report

The size 2 avalanche was 165 feet (50 meters) wide, ran for 165 to 330 feet (50 to 100 meters), and had a 1-2 foot (30 to 60 centimeter) crown.



Related: Skier Carried in Avalanche on Tuckerman Ravine, NH







Related: 5 Confirmed Dead in Italian Avalanche as Bodies of Missing Father and Daughter Found



Meanwhile, further south at Harvey Pass, another skier triggered a Size 1 to 1.5 avalanche in one of the chutes off the ridge’s front face. Early-season conditions featured about 12 inches (30 centimeters) of snow with a uniform top layer and no obvious crusts. The skier, less experienced with ski cutting, triggered the slide on their second turn while riding a chute adjacent to “Curveball.” The avalanche carried the skier about 165 feet (50 meters) in a sitting position with their torso remaining above the snow. The skier was able to dig out independently and ski out safely.

“Good early season conditions at Harvey with ~30cm depth snow. On the skin up, a crown was observed in one of the chutes off the front face of the ridge. Snow at the top of the ridge felt uniform with no obvious crusts. Watched a group of 4 ride Curveball without issues. Chose to ride the chute to the skier’s right of Curveball. Skier attempted a ski cut at the top of the run with no effect-however the skier was not experienced with ski cutting. Skier began to ride, and triggered a size 1-1.5 avalanche on second turn. Skier was knocked down by the avalanche and carried in a sitting position about 50m. Skiers’ torso remained above the snow, and they were able to dig themself out when the avalanche stopped. Skier was able to traverse left into Curveball chute and skied out from there.”

– Harvey Pass Avalanche Canada report



Parks Canada’s winter permit season for Rogers Pass officially begins November 15, 2025.Avalanche Canada warns that avalanche hazards may exist where there is snow. Pack a transceiver, shovel, and probe, and factor avalanches into your trip plan. Daily avalanche forecasts will begin on November 26 at 4 p.m.

Skier-triggered avalanches have already been reported in Colorado, Utah, and Tuckerman Ravine, New Hampshire.







The post [PHOTOS] Skier Carried Over Steep, Rocky Cliff After 2 Separate Skier-Triggered Avalanches in British Columbia appeared first on SnowBrains.

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