Analysis of the Durrand Glacier Avalanche Accident

Durrand Avalanche Report page 9
5. Finally, there is no indication in either the Coroner’s or Larry Stanier’s report to the Coroner
of whether the guides at Durrand discussed snow conditions and stability with other nearby
operations, such as neighbouring Selkirk Tangiers Heli-skiing, and how their risk
management and approach to the hazard differed from these other operations.
I. Chronology of events on January 20, 2003
1. At about 8 am on January 20, 2003, two groups of skiers (12 led by Ruedi Beglinger, and a
second group of 7 skiers led by assistant guide Ken Wylie), left the Durrand Chalet (1940 m
elevation) and headed north down into the headwaters of Cairns Creek.
2. There is no indication in either the Coroner’s Inquiry report or Larry Stanier’s report to the
Coroner of whether the guides checked the avalanche transceivers of their guests before
leaving, and what, if anything was done to provide them with instructions in what to do if an
avalanche occurred, and how, if necessary, to carry out an avalanche rescue, especially
one involving multiple burials.
Chalet
Cairns Creek
Swiss Meadows
Run-up
Bluffs, gullies
Tumbledown
South Face
June 19, 2003
Fig. 8: Looking northwest at the upper Cairns Creek valley, and the route from the Chalet to
Swiss Meadows. See also the map on Appendix 3.
3. At the bottom of the valley (about 1620 m), they put on climbing skins and then ski toured
up across the south face of Tumbledown Mountain, heading for a relatively low-angled
wooded area at timberline known as Swiss Meadows (about 1900 m). Both the headwaters
of Cairns Creek, and especially the south face of Tumbledown Mountain, are areas where
the lack of trees indicates that frequent snow avalanche activity occurs.
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