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Video Shows Near-Miss Avalanche in Rocky Mountain National Park as CAIC Highlights Safety Lessons

CAIC is using the near-miss to reinforce safety guidance for backcountry travelers.

Overview

  • Newly shared video shows a wind-slab avalanche in a narrow chute near Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park.
  • One rider was caught, carried, briefly buried, and dislocated a shoulder while grabbing a tree, and another was swept in the slide.
  • The group had planned to ski cut the slope, but movement onto untouched lower terrain triggered a fracture with an 8–14 inch crown.
  • As partners moved to assist, a second slide caught another rider, yet the party addressed the injury and exited safely.
  • The anonymous group provided a field report and video for education, and CAIC urged travelers to review daily forecasts, carry rescue gear, and enter avalanche terrain with a clear plan.