Washington, Cascades, Mt. Pilchuck—On June 20, following an early supper, Scoutmaster Dearborn gave permission to Eagle Scout Henry Bryan (15) and his 23 companions to do some exploring in the vicinity of their Heather Lake Campsite. During their excurson Bryan attempted to jump a moat separating the rock he was on from the steep hard snow field. Following the jump he slipped and slid over the lip of the snow, falling 15 feet to the rocks below and becoming wedged between rock and ice. Dearborn quickly arrived at the scene, sent word to the Ranger Station for help, and with the aid of the other boys evacuated Bryan on a makeshift litter back to the camp. Within three hours of the accident the rescue team and doctor arrived, and Bryan was in a hospital three and a half hours later. He was unconscious for 10 days.

Source: Kenn Carpenter, Everett Mountain Rescue Unit.

Analysis: As an Eagle Scout, Bryan was an experienced camper and hiker, but he was not aware of the dangers that hard snow presented to off-trail climbing. Had he taken an ice axe with him and known how to use it, there is no doubt he could have arrested his slide before going into the moat.