Man injured in crevasse flown out of Gunsight Lake

The ALERT helicopter was dispatched to the Gunsight Lake Backcountry Campground in Glacier National Park today, Sept. 4, to transport a 36-year-old California man who was injured after falling into a crevasse on Mount Jackson.

According to Park officials, the man fell 30 to 40 feet on Tuesday evening, Sept. 3, while crossing the Jackson Glacier. The man, who was reportedly alone at the time, was able to get out of the crevasse and hike 2 1/2 miles to the campground.

Campers staying at the campground, about five miles from the Going-to-the-Sun Road, assisted the man, who stayed overnight at Gunsight Lake. The next morning, three hikers set out for the Sun Road to report the need for medical assistance, as the man was unable to hike to the road. Several other campers stayed with the injured man.

Glacier Park dispatch received a call from a backcountry ranger who was patrolling the area about 8:50 a.m. The ALERT helicopter was notified. While the extent of the man’s injuries are not known, they are reported not to be life-threatening.

Park officials do not recommend travel on and around glaciers. Mountaineering books typically recommend that climbers on glaciers travel in groups, with each person carrying an ice ax they are trained in using, and with groups roped together and equipped with proper self-rescue devices and training in their use.