Skiers buried by avalanche survive

INCIDENT REPORT


CALGARY — Two backcountry skiers survived being trapped Monday in an avalanche near Lake Louise.

The buried skiers, from Australia and New Zealand, were in a group of four who were experienced and had proper avalanche equipment, officials said.

One woman was able to dig herself out of the snow to freedom after the slide, which took place around noon at Shoel Valley, in the Paradise Valley area south of Lake Louise.

Another woman was knocked unconscious momentarily, but was freed and revived by her companions.

“They made a tragedy turn into a very good news story,” said Mark Merchant, spokesman for Parks Canada.

“If you’re going to get caught in the backcountry, your best chance of survival is self-extrication.”

The avalanche rated a 2.5 on a scale of 5, “something that could take cars and trucks off the roadway,” said Merchant.

One of the skiers set out for help and contacted the Banff National Park dispatchers.

Helicopters flew the women to Banff Mineral Springs Hospital with unknown injuries, which were believed to be minor.

Avalanche conditions at alpine and treeline levels are listed as considerable, which means both natural and human-triggered slides are possible, according to Parks Canada.

At least 15 people have died in avalanches in Canada since late 2008.

Lake Louise is about 180 kilometres west of Calgary.

Calgary Herald