Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park (2), Storm Point

Publication Year: 1960.

Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park (2), Storm Point—On July 7, James E. Ferris (22) and James M. Brydon signed out at the Chief Ranger’s Office for belaying practice on the south side of Storm Point. Due to the fact that a mountain rescue was already in progress they were advised against trying for the summit and agreed to confine their activities to the lower cliffs. Both Ferris and Brydon had attended the Exum Climbing School; they planned on taking the advanced course, but wanted mainly to practice belaying before doing so.

Leaving their pack a few hundred yards from the Cascade Canyon trail they climbed up the lower slopes of Storm Point, attained the rock and began scrambling around. They carried a standard 120-foot nylon climbing rope. Ferris was wearing low-cut sneakers. The weather was warm and the climbing conditions were good.

The party reached their high point about mid-afternoon and began descending a system of short rock faces and gullies. Because the terrain appeared relatively easy they were not roped. There was some question as to the route, and Ferris began climbing down a short “V”-shaped channel to reconnoiter. Brydon asked him if he wanted a rope and he said no. The next thing Brydon knew, Ferris was gone. It is not known whether he slipped or pulled out a handhold. Brydon found an easy gulley and climbed down to the base of the cliff, located Ferris’ body, and came down to Jenny Lake for help.

Recovery of the body by a reserve rescue team was uneventful. Ferris died in a tumbling and rolling fall of about 200 feet. He suffered very extensive head injuries and lost both sneakers.

Source: Park Ranger John C. Fonda, via Mr. Frank R. Oberhansley, Superintendent, G.T.N.P.

Analysis (G.T.N.P.): The judgement of the party in this case was clearly in error although their strength and experience were equal to the terrain. The rock they were climbing was relatively easy, and being easy it was dangerous for them late in the day.

This accident seems to illustrate the advantage of developing basic route-finding skill early in the course of learning rock climbing techniques.