FALL INTO MOAT, DESCENDING UNROPED, POOR POSITION

Alberta, Rocky Mountains, Mount Nublock

Late in the afternoon of June 2, 1989, J.N. (44) and A.N. (65) were descending unroped from an ascent of Mount Nublock. When they reached the steep headwall above Lake Agnes, they started to descend a narrow snow gully. Part way down the gully, J.N. fell through a snow bridge into a hole where a hidden creek fell over a short cliff. A.N. attempted to extricate J.N., but without success. The body was recovered by a Parks Service rescue team that evening. (Source: Banff National Park Warden Service)

Analysis

Rotten, soft snow conditions contributed to the accident. It might have been prevented by selecting an alternative route to avoid the waterfall running under the snow. (Source: Banff National Park Warden Service)