Glacier National Park has provided an update on a dramatic swift water rescue that occurred after 3 hikers fell into a gorge near the Avalanche Lake Trail.
On Sunday, July 6th, park dispatch received multiple satellite SOS reports shortly after 7pm reporting that multiple individuals had fallen into Avalanche Creek and that two of the individuals were currently receiving CPR.
Four visitors from Florida were gathered on the rocks above Avalanche Gorge for a photo when one slipped and fell into the water. A second and third person also fell in while attempting to help the first. One grabbed hold of tree branches in the gorge while the other two were swept through the gorge.
Responding rangers found both individuals swept through the gorge responsive as the bystanders performing CPR were able to resuscitate them. The first ranger on scene was informed on the individual trapped in the gorge and was able to to rappel and secure them while a technical rescue team was assembled. Both the ranger and the stranded individual were retrieved.
The three patients were then transported to Logan Health in Kalispell, one by ALERT, one by Three Rivers Ambulance, and one by Whitefish Ambulance. All patients are now in stable condition. The park thanks three Rivers Ambulance, ALERT, the Whitefish Fire Department, and the bystanders who helped save two lives.
Swift, cold glacier streams and rivers in addition to slick rocks or slippery logs can all be a serious danger to visitors of Glacier National Park. Avoid walking, playing, or climbing on slipper rocks and logs especially around waterfalls. Downing is the number one cause of death in Glacier National Park.
