Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park, Symmetry Spire

Publication Year: 1962.

Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park, Symmetry Spire. On July 7, Bill Byrd of the Exum Mountaineering concession was guiding Joe Roundtree (23) and Jerry Kelly (21) on the Southwest Ridge. They had completed about two thirds of the Ridge and Byrd was belaying Roundtree from above when the rope apparently jammed in a crack and some slack rope accumulated. Roundtree attempted a long step and lost his footing in the movement; he fell about 10 ft. before the rope held him. During the fall he swung into the rock striking his right hand in such a manner that he fractured a small bone near the wrist. Byrd was able to get the injured climber safely down without other assistance.

Source: F. Douglas McLaren, District Ranger, GTNP.

Analysis: Loss of footing and fall.