Fall on Ice — Alberta, Rocky Mountains, Near Lake Louise

Publication Year: 1985.

FALL ON ICE

Alberta, Rocky Mountains, near Lake Louise

On March 11, 1984, two ice climbers (26 and 25) attempted the falls near the Plain- of-Six-Glaciers Teahouse in the Lake Louise area of Banff National Park. They traveled to the falls on cross-country skis, carrying full climbing gear. On the waterfall, they climbed to where the leader was one rope length from the top. At this point, the leader slipped while making an overhead move. He fell approximately five meters, hitting his head on the way down, and came to rest on a ledge. His partner then lowered him half a rope length to a safe location. The victim was apparently unconscious for about five minutes. He had also injured his right ankle. Nevertheless, the climbers managed to get back down to the ski trail, and started toward Chateau Lake Louise. The Warden Office heard of the accident and a rescue crew went out to meet the climbers, and brought the victim to Chateau Lake Louise by snowmobile. (Source: Banff Park Warden Service)

Analysis

This was the victim’s second accident of the season. Three months before, he had fallen and cracked his ankle. (Source: Banff Park Warden Service)