Яндекс.Метрика
2025-11-21

[PHOTOS] 2 Skiers Carried and Partly Buried by Avalanche in Alberta Backcountry





Two skiers were caught in the first avalanche of the season in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, on Saturday, November 15, but both escaped without injury, according to Avalanche Canada and Kananaskis Mountain Rescue.

The incident occurred near the top of the north alpine slope below the headwall of Pocaterra Ridge at Highwood Pass, approximately 8,400 feet (2,550 metres) in elevation. A group of three riders was approaching the area when the first skier triggered a pocket of windslab in shallow, rocky terrain. The avalanche slid down a 32-35 degree slope, suspected to have basal facets near the ground.

“Group of 3 riders approaching top of N, alpine slope below headwall when 1st person triggered pocket of windslab out of shallow, rocky terrain. The avalanche occured at 2550m on 32-35deg SZ scrubbing to ground(suspect facets above ground). The first two riders were caught in avalanche with 1st person being swept 75m and was able to move out of path. The second rider was caught for 5m and rode out. No serious injury.”

– Avalanche Canada report



The first skier was swept about 250 feet (75 metres) but managed to move out of the avalanche path. The second skier was caught for roughly 15 feet (5 metres) and was able to ride out the slide. No one was fully buried, and there were no serious injuries. Kananaskis Mountain Rescue highlighted this as the first reported avalanche involvement of the season in the region.

The wind slab avalanche occurred at around 7:15 p.m. and was triggered accidentally by a skier. The slide, measuring approximately 20 inches (50 centimeters) thick and 100 feet (30 meters) wide, ran down a 32-degree north-facing alpine slope from 8,366 feet to 7,381 feet (2,550 meters to 2,250 meters) elevation. The avalanche, which occurred on shallow snow with underlying facets and a crust layer, covered 100 feet (30 meters) of runout without trapping or seriously injuring the two skiers involved. Cloudy conditions, powder snow with some wind influence, and a light southeast breeze prevailed, while temperatures hovered around -4°C and had risen slightly earlier. The terrain’s planar shape and lack of major traps contributed to the skiers’ fortunate escape during this early-season event in the region.

The rescue team noted that the crusts formed over recent days due to rain and warm temperatures will remain a significant consideration for upcoming avalanche conditions throughout the winter. They also thanked the skiers for reporting and recording the event, emphasizing the value of sharing such information to improve safety for all mountain users.

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, Tuckerman Ravine, New Hampshire, Alaska, and British Columbia.





The post [PHOTOS] 2 Skiers Carried and Partly Buried by Avalanche in Alberta Backcountry appeared first on SnowBrains.

Ссылка на источник: https://snowbrains.com/2-skiers-partly-buried-avalanche-alberta-backcountry379493-2/