Skier triggered avalanche on Balu Peak

Quick report

Parks Canada Visitor Safety · Dec 17, 2023 · Little Yoho

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Observation photo 1Observation photo 2

Avalanche

Trigger Type
skier
Wind Exposure
crossLoadedSlope
Avalanche Size
2.5
Trigger Sub Type
remote
Start Zone Aspect
SE
Trigger Distance
0
Avalanche Character
persistentSlab
Number Of Avalanches
2-5
Weak Layer Burial Date
2023-12-01
Weak Layer Crystal Type
surfaceHoar
Start Zone Elevation Band
alp
Avalanche Occurrence Datetime
2023-12-17T22:00:00.000Z

First avalanche was remote triggered by group ascending the ridge. It sounds as though they also triggered another avalanche on their descent into the 8812 Bowl, both avalanches were sz 2.5 with debris running to treeline.

Incident

Group Size
2
Terrain Trap
cliff
Group Activity
skiing
Number Involved
0
Number Fully Buried
0
Snow Depth Trigger Point
variable
Terrain Shape Trigger Point
planar
Number Partly Buried Impaired Breathing
0

A guided group witnessed a group of two trigger a slab avalanche from steep, aggressive terrain above cliffs on Balu Peak this afternoon. The guide was able to confirm that no one was caught in the slab/debris, and no one was calling for help. If you have an incident happen to you (trigger an avalanche or witness someone involved in an avalanche), please call the appropriate backcountry emergency number for your jurisdiction to report it. In Glacier National Park, that number is 1.877.852.3100 (Jasper Dispatch emergency). 911 works, but the Jasper Dispatch number is much more efficient/effective.