Skiers trigger avalanche in Glacier Park
Two skiers triggered an avalanche on Elk Mountain in Glacier National Park Jan. 8. Park dispatch received a call at approximately 4:15 p.m. that day, indicating that two skiers were involved in an avalanche and one skier was injured. Park rangers and local emergency personnel organized and responded to the incident.
Park rangers found the skiers and transported them to a nearby trailhead at approximately 6:30 p.m. The Glacier County EMS Ambulance transported the injured skier to a medical facility and the other skier was released at the scene.
Both skiers were local males, one 34 and the other 35. They were skiing a ridge of Elk Mountain, just west of Marias Pass, when one of the skiers fell and triggered an avalanche. The skier was carried with the slide and partially buried.
The other skier was skiing below when the avalanche occurred and was able to escape from the avalanche slide path, and then help rescue his companion. The skier that was partially buried and sustained significant injuries.
Emergency personnel assisting Glacier National Park Rangers included members of the Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Flathead County Search and Rescue, and North Valley Search and Rescue.
All backcountry recreationists are highly encouraged to be prepared for winter conditions, including awareness and understanding of avalanche terrain, mountain weather, snowpack conditions, current avalanche advisories, as well as being prepared with appropriate equipment such as beacons, probes, poles and shovels. Recreationists should have the knowledge and skills to safely utilize the equipment as needed.
The Flathead Avalanche Center’s website, http://www.flatheadavalanche.org/ contains information about outdoor recreation safety including three advisories each week, educational opportunities, and snow observation conditions.
Upcoming educational programs include an advanced avalanche awareness class that continues through Saturday, Jan. 19 with the Flathead National Forest, a Level 1 Avalanche Course in Libby on Jan. 18-19, and Level 1 and Level 11 Courses at Whitefish Mountain Resort in January and February.