Hiker injured in fall on snowfield

 A hiker suffered minor injuries sliding down a snowfield and two canoeists were plucked from Lake McDonald in separate weekend incidents in Glacier National Park.

The hiker was hurt Friday around 6 p.m. while she and seven other people were climbing Mount Sinopah near Two Medicine Lake on the east side of the park.

The 21-year-old woman fell on a snowfield and was unable to stop her fall, according to a news release from the park. She slid approximately 200 feet on snow, then through a 10-foot cliff band at the bottom of the snowfield.

Two of her companions hiked four miles to the Glacier Park Boat Co. on Two Medicine Lake to report the incident.

 Park rangers found the injured hiker and the rest of the hiking party at a trail junction below Mount Sinopah. Rangers transported her by boat to the Two Medicine Boat Dock, where an ambulance was waiting.  

The hiker, who suffered minor injuries had only had general day-hiking gear.

On Saturday afternoon, employees of the Glacier Park Boat Co. reported a capsized canoe and two people in the water on Lake McDonald on the west side of Glacier.  

Boat company employees rescued the pair from the water and transported them to  Lake McDonald Lodge, where rangers transported them to their vehicle. 

The rangers also retrieved the canoe. The boaters were wearing life jackets.   

Glacier Park officials remind hikers and climbers that they should expect snow and ice at higher elevations in the park. When hiking may include snowfield travel, visitors should know how to use crampons and ice axes. It is also recommended that hikers have extra clothing, appropriate maps, first-aid kit, water and food.   

Park visitors are also reminded to be prepared for cold, high and fast moving waters in the park during spring and early summer. Always wear life jackets when boating, and use caution when crossing or stepping near bodies of water.