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Backcountry Skier Killed In Yoho National Park

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By NPT Staff - April 23rd, 2022
The Mount des Poilus accident site.

The Mount des Poilus accident site/Parks Canada

A Cochrane, Alberta woman has died while ski touring in Yoho National Park.

Parks Canada was alerted by an InReach SOS activation to a backcountry incident on Mount des Poilus on April 13. A group of five skiers was ascending a ridge near the summit when a cornice failure caused one member of the party to fall through the cornice and down the slope. The fatal fall also triggered an avalanche.

Visitor safety specialists responded and located the victim at the bottom of the slope on top of the avalanche debris. Parks Canada has extended condolences to her family and friends.

“This incident emphasizes the risk cornices can pose when travelling in the mountains, particularly during spring when they are large and warm temperatures can make them more prone to collapsing,” Parks Canada said in a written statement. “Parties should be particularly careful when approaching ridgelines where cornices are present.”

A cornice is an overhanging ridge of snow caused by wind at the crest of a mountain.

Parks Canada reminds visitors that anyone visiting the backcountry is responsible for their own safety, and must carry a beacon, shovel and probe and check the avalanche forecast at avalanche.ca before heading out Those seeking technical information about advanced alpine objectives can call Banff Dispatch at 1-403-762-1470 and talk with a visitor safety specialist.

Yoho is in British Columbia, near Alberta's Banff National Park.

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