Parks Canada received a call from a climbing party that was involved in a Class 1.5-2 avalanche on the west face of Mt. Lefroy on July 13th. The party was descending the standard route back to Abbot Pass. They were about two thirds of the way down when they got caught in a moist loose snow avalanche that had come down from above.

The party of four were moving together (but roped up) and and were all caught. They ended up at the bottom of the face where the angle lessened. The accident occurred at 10:00am on July 13. Despite being a very close call, there were no injuries and no evacuation was required.

The party reported 10 cm of moist surface snow over top of a firmer base. They suspect that it was the surface snow that had avalanched and gained mass as it came down the face.

There has been a lot of rain (and snow at higher elevations) over the last week and very minimal freezes. I suspect conditions will not improve much until overnight temperatures cool down. This close call with an avalanche (in July) really emphasises the need to consider the avalanche potential in the high mountains at all times of the year, and the requirement to have avalanche self rescue gear in the party.

Play safe,
Brian Webster IFMGA Mountain Guide
Visitor Safety Manager
Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks