Solo skier unhurt after weekend avalanche near Canmore

A skier was uninjured after being caught in an avalanche at Miner’s Gully, near Canmore, on Saturday, officials said.

A report on Avalanche Canada’s website says the individual, who was skiing by themselves, triggered “a large, full-depth avalanche” while coming down the peak.

The skier was carried 500 to 600 metres in the slide but was not buried or injured.

Officials said the individual only lost a ski pole during the incident.

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Someone who witnessed the avalanche called 911 and, once the skier was confirmed safe, a helicopter searched the debris.

The report said it began in a shallow snowpack, but progressed as a wet slab in the lower elevations, where temperatures ranged from 8 C to 12 C.

“This avalanche serves as a good reminder of why it is important to start early and finish early during spring conditions,” it said.

“It is a very clear example how stability can dramatically deteriorate with intense daytime warming. This increases the probability of triggering loose wet and/or dangerous deep persistent and wet slab avalanches.”

Avalanche Canada says areas of Kananaskis Country will be intermittently closed for avalanche control.

It says it is spring at almost all elevations and aspects and hikers and scramblers need to monitor the changing snow conditions when they go out.