Analysis of the Durrand Glacier Avalanche Accident

Durrand Avalanche Report page 32
Recommendations
1. A Coroner’s Inquest should be convened as soon as possible to more thoroughly establish
the body of facts related to this accident, and develop meaningful recommendations to
avoid a similar tragedy.
2. The Association of Canadian Mountain Guides should work with an independent third party
to complete a thorough investigation of this accident, develop recommendations that will
improve the safety of guided trips, and determine whether action should be taken against
the guide.
3. The British Columbia Government should work with the professional mountain guides to
establish a guiding association, similar to other professional associations, that would set
minimum standards for guides, codes of conduct, establish an investigation and
disciplinary process, and have requirements for on-going professional development.
4. To warn all backcountry users of potentially hazardous conditions, the British Columbia
government should work with the Canadian Avalanche Association to develop a protocol
that would provide for an immediate preliminary analysis and public report when an
avalanche accident or near miss occurs. This should then be followed by a more thorough
analysis and report.
5. Commercial recreation companies and guides should be required to report all accidents
and near misses. This information should then be made available to prospective clients so
that they can make informed choices about what activities they participate in, and where
they go on backcountry excursions.
Copyright: no part of this report may be reproduced without the written permission of the author.