Falling Ice—Fall on Ice, Poor Position, Alberta, Banff National Park, Johnson Canyon Upper Falls
Publication Year: 2002.
FALLING ICE-FALL ON ICE, POOR POSITION
Alberta, Banff National Park, Johnson Canyon Upper Falls
On January 19, J. G. was standing at the base of an ice pillar when a climber above dislodged large pieces of ice. One of the pieces hit her and she fell about ten meters down a slope, suffering a compound lower left leg fracture. One person ran out for help. J.G. was evacuated by heli-sling by Warden Service rescue teams.
Analysis
Standing under ice climbers is hazardous, particularly when one is on sloping ground and not tied in to an anchor. Falls on ice with crampons frequently result in lower leg injuries due to the crampons catching while sliding. (Source: Parks Canada Warden Service)