FALL IN CREVASSE, CLIMBING UNROPED

Alberta, Rocky Mountains, Athabasca Glacier

John Howard and a companion ascended the Athabasca Glacier on 23 February 1978 to attempt either Snow Dome or Mt. Kitchener. At 1540 hours, under the headwall of the Athabasca Glacier, a snow bridge collapsed and Howard fell to his death in a crevasse. He was not roped to his companion. The rescue party followed the same tracks, and on the return journey another snow bridge collapsed, dropping Howard’s companion into a crevasse. Fortunately, he was roped this time and was rescued. The route was described as extremely dangerous by a member of the rescue team. (Source: Banff Crag and Canyon, 4 March 1978)