FALL ON SNOW

Alberta, Rocky Mountains, Moraine Lake, 3-3½ Couloir

On July 10, 1981, a party of two were climbing the 3-3½ Couloir, unroped, en route to the Graham Cooper Hut. Approximately three quarters of the way up, one climber stopped to adjust his pack, leaving his ice ax in the snow. He overbalanced, fell backward and began to slide down the slope. He managed to arrest his slide after approximately 700 feet but fractured his lower leg. An observer at Moraine Lake reported the accident and the victim was rescued by a Park Warden Service Rescue Team using the helicopter sling method. (Source: C. Israelson, Banff National Park)

Analysis

Steep snow slopes are always potentially dangerous. There is a serious accident in this couloir at least once a year. Many climbers lose their concentration and seem to be caught off guard here. (Source: C. Israelson, Banff National Park)