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)