The Fernie Search and Rescue retrieve skiers injured by size 2 avalanche. A group of skiers triggered a size 2 avalanche in Orca Bowl outside the Fernie Alpine Resort. Out of the 11 skiers, 6 were affected by the slide. One of the members was carried 300 meters down the slope by the avalanche.
Icy danger
None of the skiers were completely buried and the group was able to exercise a companion rescue and retrieve all the affected skiers.
According to the SAR Manager, Simon Piney, the group was well-prepared with the necessary equipment and were able to successfully companion rescue their friends, administer first aid and call for assistance.
Three skiers were injured and the Fernie Search and Rescue had to extract them at mid-day. The 3 avalanche technicians responded to the area and the injured skiers were flown back to Fernie and given care by the B.C. Ambulance Service.
According to Piney, this serves as a reminder that the snow packs can be unpredictable and back country users must take the necessary steps and equipment with them to handle any possible emergency.
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