Analysis of the Durrand Glacier Avalanche Accident

Executive Summary page 4
(e) There is no comment on the destination and route finding choices that were made by the
guide. Specifically, there is no mention that the group had to cross the high risk south face
of Tumbledown Mountain before even getting to the La Traviata couloir, and that they
toured up so close under the west ridge of Tumbledown Mountain that their uphill track
was subsequently overrun by the avalanches that occurred.
(f) There is no description of how the guide’s route finding decisions, and other actions,
compare with commonly accepted principles for traveling safely in avalanche terrain, as
described in numerous textbooks and other literature on the subject, including the
Association of Canadian Mountain Guide’s guide training manual.
(g) There is only a brief mention of the rescue efforts, and no description of how the remote
location, poor weather conditions, deep burials, large number of buried transceivers, and
available probes and shovels affected the rescue efforts, and how efficient those rescue
efforts were.
To more thoroughly establish the body of facts related to this accident, and develop meaningful
recommendations to avoid a similar tragedy, a Coroner’s Inquest should be convened as soon
as possible.
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.
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.
To warn backcountry users of potentially hazardous conditions, the Provincial 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.
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.
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