A 40-year-old Invermere man is dead following a backcountry skiing crash in Alberta’s Kananaskis Country.

Kananaskis Country Public Safety Section, Alberta Parks reported that on Monday, October 19, near Robertson Glacier, there was a fatality involving a backcountry skier. Kananaskis Public Safety and Alpine Helicopters responded to the incident around 2:30 p.m.

“The incident happened due to the low early season snow coverage and related hazards in very low angle ski terrain wherein his skis bottomed out, and he pitched forward into a rocky area suffering severe trauma. The subject was not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. This was not an avalanche incident,” Kananaskis Country Public Safety outlined.

RCMP reported the deceased is a 40-year-old male from Invermere. Police have notified the deceased’s family and are providing support for three skiers who were with the deceased at the time of the incident.

No other details were provided.

Noting “condolences go out to those involved,” Kananaskis Public Safety Team advises: “10 and 30 cm of snow currently exists at treeline and this does not cover the rocks or any of the ground debris, if you do fall in these areas you will likely get hurt. The chance of hitting something and getting injured is quite high. The days are getting shorter so be aware of darkness setting in. Once it’s dark, any evacuation is more complicated.

“While in the field yesterday forecasters witnessed many loose dry avalanches off steep terrain not running very far but still active, Alpine terrain was getting affected by winds, so we suspect slab development to be ongoing in these areas. Consequences of being caught in even a small slid would result in injury due to the lack of snow and the chance of a ride over rocky terrain.”

e-KNOW

Article Share