Washington, Cascades, Mt. Snoqualmie—On May 11 a large party of 60 Mountaineers were on an experience climb on Mt. Snoqualmie. They had reached the summit and at about 12 noon were starting the descent. Three of the party were ahead of Cecil Schmidt and hidden by the slope. Schmidt glissaded down and according to reports ran into one of this group and impaled himself on the climber’s ice axe. He removed the axe from the wound in his hip and then glissaded down a short distance to where the leader was stationed. Here he collapsed. First aid was administered. A successful evacuation was done by the group.

Source: The Mountaineer, July 1958, page 5.

Analysis: This type of situation had been foreseen and an attempt had been made to forestall it by placing competent persons along the route. The constant need for control while glissading is apparent. It should also be emphasized that a climber who has stopped his glissade should not take for granted that he is secure. He should be aware of what is happening above and behind him.