Avalanche sweeps three skiiers down a steep slope in Banff

Oct 30, 2018 | 7:33 AM

BANFF —   Three skiiers were injured after being swept close to 100 metres in an avalanche in Banff National Park.

     Avalanche Canada says on its website that Parks Canada responded to a satellite distress call on Monday from the group, who were on the east ridge of Mount Patterson on the park’s northern edge.

     It says none of the three were buried, but they sustained various injuries including broken ribs as the avalanche sent them tumbling down a steep gully.

     Crews evacuated the trio to a waiting ambulance.

     Avalanche Canada doesn’t start posting daily reports on conditions until November 23rd. On it’s web site, it says at this time of the season, those out in the backcountry need to be especially observant and ask around to see what others have found for conditions.

     It says often people going out at this time of year aren’t properly prepared, either with equipment or clothing, but they stress that lack of information about snow conditions is one of the biggest problems at this time of year.