Item: Polar Circus Avalanche Response, February 5-11, 2015
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Title: Polar Circus Avalanche Response, February 5-11, 2015
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Stephen Holeczi [ Parks Canada Visitor Safety Programs, Lake Louise, AB, Canada ]
- Grant Statham [ Parks Canada Visitor Safety Programs, Lake Louise, AB, Canada ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: On the evening of February 5, 2015, two Canadian Military Search and Rescue Technicians (SAR Tech) on an official training exercise were descending after an ascent of Polar Circus, a 700m water ice climb located in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. In deteriorating weather, one member of the team was swept away by an avalanche, un-roped, above an ice feature known as "The Pencil". His partner was left to descend alone and initiate a search. The climbers were not carrying avalanche safety equipment and the partner could not find any surface clues on his descent. Six days later, his body was recovered by Parks Canada SAR staff. This paper will focus on how searchers conducted their risk assessments, an analysis of the exposure time to rescuers, and will advocate to encourage climbers to wear avalanche safety gear.
Object ID: ISSW16_O8.01.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: avalanche, mitigation, risk, exposure
Page Number(s): 180-184
Subjects: avalanche risk management search and rescue
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