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Man critically injured in avalanche near Lake Louise dies in hospital: Parks Canada

Click to play video: '1 critically injured after avalanche near Lake Louise: EMS'
1 critically injured after avalanche near Lake Louise: EMS
WATCH (April 20, 2019): A man was critically injured and taken to Calgary's Foothills Medical Centre after an avalanche in Yoho National Park on Saturday – Apr 20, 2019

One person has died after an avalanche in Yoho National Park on Saturday.

Parks Canada said an avalanche was triggered on the Des Poilus Glacier on the Wapta Icefield at around 1 p.m. Three people were in the area — two were uninjured.

STARS said it transported a man to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, landing at around 4:10 p.m.​

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Parks Canada said he died later in hospital on Saturday.

The agency added that the avalanche danger rating for April 20 was variable.

“Spring avalanche conditions can range from high to low and are dependent on aspect, weather and location,” said information officer Chelsey Dawes on Sunday.

In addition to STARS Air Ambulance, Parks Canada said Alpine Helicopters, Banff EMS, Visitor Safety Specialists, Lake Louise Fire and B.C. Ambulance all responded swiftly to the incident.

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The agency said the incident was not related to the April 16 avalanche on Howse Peak in Banff National Park.​

Miscommunication

Calgary EMS initially said a person was declared dead at the scene, but later on Saturday clarified the man was alive and taken to Calgary hospital in critical condition. EMS blamed the error on a miscommunication.

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