The Hind Crag avalanche site. Photo: Keswick MRT

A Lake District climber had a lucky escape today after an avalanche swept him 240m (785ft) down a mountainside.

Members of the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team went to the aid of the 36-old-man who was buried up to his waist by the snow debris while climbing on Hind Crag on Glaramara. Rescuers described the climber as a ‘very lucky man’.

The incident happened about noon today as three men were tackling a gully on the crag in the Seathwaite valley, Borrowdale.

A spokesperson for Keswick MRT said: “Three people were just completing the gully climb in the middle of the crag when the lead climbers triggered a wet slab avalanche which took the third climber back down the gully.

“The two at the top feared the worst because they were unable to see to the bottom. The unfortunate one struggled to stay on the surface and, after a 240m fall, ended up buried up to his middle in wet snow which had instantly ’set like concrete’.

“Although he had lost a crampon, he had managed to retain his ice axe, which he used to cut himself out.

“By the time he had done that, which took about 10-15 minutes, and got himself down to the track below, he was found by team members who were just arriving on scene.”

Keswick team members then went to the aid of the two climbers still in the gully. The spokesperson said: “The two at the top of the climb remained where they were until we were able to help them back down.

“A very lucky man with nothing but a few bumps and bruises!”

The incident followed an avalanche last Sunday on Helvellyn’s western flank, above Thirlmere.