Summer Safety

1. Bear Spray: The Z-Pattern

Bear spray is a tool of distance. Your goal is a physical barrier of capsaicin that the bear must run through.

• Carry: Holster on your belt or chest. If it's in your pack, it's useless. Check the expiry date; heat in cars can degrade the seals.
• When to draw: As soon as you identify a bear within 50 m that's stationary or approaching. Don't wait for a charge; have the canister in your hand with the safety off.
• Deploy: (1) Grip firmly, pop off the safety clip with your thumb. (2) Depress the trigger for 2–3 seconds while sweeping in a Z pattern (side-to-side and downward). That creates a dense curtain the bear must pass through. (3) Don't turn and run. If the bear stops, back away slowly, eyes on the animal, finger ready for a second burst.

2. Wildlife Etiquette

Minimum distances: 100 m for grizzlies, black bears, wolves, and cougars. 30 m for elk, moose, and bighorn sheep (double during fall rut or spring calving).

Bear-proofing: If you aren't touching your food or pack, it goes in a bear-proof locker or vehicle. No micro-trash; even a gum wrapper or orange peel can food-condition a bear, which often leads to euthanization. Keep sunscreen, lip balm, and scented clothes secured.

3. Rockies 10 Essentials

Focus on visibility and heat retention.

1. Navigation: Physical topo map and baseplate compass.
2. Sun protection: High-altitude sun is approx. 25% stronger. SPF 50, hat, UV-rated sunglasses.
3. Insulation: Synthetic or down puffy. It can be 25°C at the lake and 5°C at Sentinel Pass.
4. Illumination: LED headlamp with fresh batteries.
5. First aid: Moleskin or Compeed for blisters; elastic wrap for rolled ankles.
6. Signaling and shelter: High-decibel whistle and ultralight emergency bivy (traps air like a sleeping bag; better than a blanket).
7. Repair: Small multi-tool; 3 feet of duct tape wrapped around your water bottle.
8. Nutrition: 1,000 extra calories of no-cook food (jerky, nuts, bars).
9. Hydration: 2–3 L capacity and a squeeze-style water filter.
10. Communication: Satellite messenger (Garmin InReach, Zoleo). Don't rely on phone SOS in deep valleys.

4. Emergency Protocol

Cell service is spotty and unreliable in the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake corridors.

• Life-threatening: 911 (use only with a strong signal)
• Satellite phone / Parks Canada Dispatch: 403-762-4506
• Non-emergency wildlife / park info: 403-762-1470

No cell service: (1) Trigger your satellite messenger immediately for serious injuries. (2) Blow your whistle in groups of 3 (international distress signal). (3) Find a clearing; spread your emergency bivy (usually bright orange or silver) for aerial SAR visibility. (4) Stay on trail; most rescues occur within 50 m of a marked path. Don't wander into the bush.

5. Regional Hazards

Avalanches

Avalanche hazard persists in late spring and early fall. Heavy snowpack can linger and slide during melt. Don't attempt high-elevation or alpine trails (Lake Agnes, Plain of Six Glaciers, Saddleback Pass, Larch Valley) before mid-June or after mid-October without AST-1 training and appropriate gear.

Victoria Glacier (Plain of Six Glaciers)

The hanging glaciers on Mount Victoria drop ice and rock. Stay on the designated path; don't approach the base of the cliffs. Don't walk onto glacier ice without crampons, ice axe, and a rope. Crevasses are often hidden by thin summer snow.

Larch Valley / Sentinel Pass / Paradise Valley

In late summer, Parks Canada often issues a Restricted Access order for Larch Valley and Paradise Valley. You're legally required to hike in a tight group of 4+ (fine up to $25,000 for non-compliance). Sentinel Pass is 2,611 m; if you see anvil-shaped clouds or your hair stands on end, descend immediately. You're in a high-strike lightning zone.

Cold Water

Glacial water is approx. 4°C. Cold shock response causes reflexive gasping and inhaling water. Stay off the floating logs at the Moraine Lake outlet.