Two have been confirmed dead and three more hospitalized after a massive rockslide hit multiple hikers at a popular Canadian National Park.
Officials from Banff National Park in Alberta said in a statement there had been a report of "serious rockfall" at around 1pm on Thursday, June 19 near Bow Glacier Falls, approximately 37k north of Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway.
A multi-agency response was launched, including teams from both Banff and Jasper National Parks, and one person, 70-year-old Calgary woman, was confirmed deceased at the scene.
A second body was discovered on Friday morning by a search and rescue dog, but has not yet been recovered due to instability at the scene.
Three more parties were seriously injured. They were evacuated from the scene by air and ground ambulance and transported to the hospital.
“We are all heartbroken by the recent tragedy at Bow Glacier Falls," says Parks Canada President & Chief Executive Officer, Ron Hallman.
Footage of the rockslide was captured and has been circulating online.
Officials from Banff announced on Friday that search operations have concluded and thermal imaging reveals no further indication of human presence in the field.
Bow Lake has reopened, and officials say it is safe to visit, however, heavy precipitation, including snowfall, is expected in the area today.
"Mountain areas carry inherent risks which may never be fully mitigated. Rockfalls of this size are rare. However, we encourage everyone in mountain areas to be aware of their surroundings, be prepared, and carry a satellite communications device," say Banff officials in a statement.
Rockslides are difficult to predict, but there are some steps you can take to help keep yourself safe:
- Avoid hiking in areas of steep, rocky terrain during spring thaw.
- Avoid hiking in areas of steep, rocky terrain following heavy rains.
- Keep your eyes open for areas showing evidence of recent rockfall and hike carefully or avoid these areas.
- Avoid hiking in the fall line (the most direct line downhill) of steep terrain when there are other hikers above or below you.
- Stay on the trail and make use of switchbacks.
- If you’re hiking downhill on a wider, rocky trail in a group, hike side-by-side in parallel lines rather single file.
- In narrow areas like canyons and ravines, move through one at a time.
- Take care not to dislodge rocks and boulders when crossing scree or boulder fields.a
You can learn more in our article on rockslides.
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