Montana News

Skiers survive Glacier National Park avalanche

Posted: Jan 9, 2013 10:28 AM by Laura Wilson - MTN News

WEST GLACIER - An avalanche left two skiers stranded on Elk Mountain in the Middle Fork area of Glacier National Park for hours on Tuesday.

Luckily, the winter weather conditions didn't prevent crews from reaching the skiers, one of whom was hurt in the ordeal.

The avalanche was triggered just after 4 p.m. on Tuesday while a man was skiing down the mountain. Another man was below the avalanche when it started and was able to move away from the snow slide.

"The other gentleman was below him, saw the avalanche and got out of the way. The [other] individual was carried down and was partially buried. His partner had to dig him out," park spokeswoman Denise Germann said.

Germann added that one of the skiers was able to reach someone who contacted park dispatchers.

Rescue crews were able to find the skiers at around 6:30 p.m.

The man who had been partially buried suffered non-life threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital.

It's not known at this time whether they had the proper gear with them, or whether they checked the avalanche advisories before heading out, and Germann says this incident is a good reminder to be prepared any time you recreate in Northwest Montana.

She told us that the two men were experienced skiers from the area.