Sierra Nevada, California: (3) Mt. Humphrey

Publication Year: 1949.

Sierra Nevada, California: (3) Mt. Humphrey. A party of five, having climbed Mt. Humphrey and descended from the summit area, were taking off the rope at the top of a scree chimney. Harry Abraham (27), leader of the party, was coiling the rope; others were above. He had instructed the others not to move. Someone dislodged a rock which, in turn, dislodged another rock. Abraham was unable to dodge both rocks, and one of them struck him. Knocked off balance, he tumbled some 50 feet, sustaining moderately severe lacerations and contusions about the head. This accident occurred on 17 August 1948.

Sources of information: newspaper accounts, and personal account from Abraham.

Analysis. This mishap emphasizes again the need for caution when a party is on loose rock. Extreme care must be taken to prevent dislodgement of rocks.