Skier Accidental, Ogden Wall
Quick reportParks Canada Visitor Safety · Dec 9, 2023 · Waterton Lakes
Avalanche
- Run Length
- 600
- Slab Width
- 10
- Trigger Type
- skier
- Wind Exposure
- leeSlope
- Avalanche Size
- 2
- Slab Thickness
- 60
- Trigger Sub Type
- accidental
- Start Zone Aspect
- NE
- Vegetation Cover
- sparseTrees
- Start Zone Incline
- 45
- Avalanche Character
- deepPersistentSlab
- Number Of Avalanches
- 1
- Start Zone Elevation
- 2300
- Runout Zone Elevation
- 2000
- Avalanche Observation
- 24to48hrsAgo
- Weak Layer Crystal Type
- depthHoar, facets
- Start Zone Elevation Band
- tln
- Avalanche Occurrence Datetime
- 2023-12-09T22:30:00.000Z
Incident
- Group Size
- 2
- Terrain Trap
- gullyDepression, trees
- Group Activity
- skiing
- Number Injured
- 1
- Number Involved
- 1
- Number Fully Buried
- 0
- Snow Depth Trigger Point
- average
- Terrain Shape Trigger Point
- unsupported
- Number Partly Buried Able Breathing
- 0
- Number Partly Buried Impaired Breathing
- 0
The avalanche occurred on Mt. Ogden above Sherbrooke Lake. The second skier across the slope triggered the full depth avalanche at their skis. One skier was caught and tumbled down the debris/rocky bed surface for 500m thinking they were going to get buried multiple times. They ended up on the surface with the majority of the debris stopping below them. Two Parks Canada staff responded with just enough light to drop an overnight bag beside the skiers, and be dropped off themselves on the lake below. The rescuers toured up to the injured party, moved them off the avalanche path, and set up camp for the night. Everyone was flown out at first light the next morning.