Two climbers rescued after being caught in avalanche

Two climbers were rescued and transported to hospital by helicopter after being swept away by an avalanche on a Jasper National Park mountain Wednesday.

The avalanche occurred around 10:30 a.m. on the Silverhorn Route of Mount Athabasca, Parks Canada said Wednesday.

The two hikers were about 200 metres from the peak of the route when they heard a “whumph” underneath them.

Both were swept 600 metres down the mountain before coming to a stop below a ramp on the north glacier, a news release said.

One climber was partially buried with the head and one arm exposed while the other landed on the surface of the snow and was able to assist the trapped climber.

Both were taken to a Jasper hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. The avalanche measured at 2.5, defined as having the potential to bury, injure or kill a person.

Parks Canada is thanking the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides who reported the avalanche and assisted the two climbers.

Early snowfall in the region as well as moderate winds have created isolated wind slabs on the mountains, Parks Canada officials said.

No other natural activity was noted.

There are currently five summer avalanche warnings, according to Parks Canada, affecting Jasper, Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier and Waterton Lakes national parks.

The Jasper warning is in effect until further notice, but says a repeat avalanche is currently unlikely.

Conditions and avalanche warnings can be found on the Parks Canada website.