Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park, Middle Teton

Publication Year: 1967.

Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park, Middle Teton. On 26 June, William Pierce (21), Mike Mikell (30), Beverly Pierce (21), and Sandra Hendricks were descending the Ellingwood Couloir on the Middle Teton. Pierce was glissading and lost control. As he attempted a self-arrest he dislocated his shoulder.

Source: Rick Reese, Park Ranger, Grand Teton National Park.

Analysis: In the first place the party was off route and the climbing was more difficult than they had anticipated. Pierce had dislocated his shoulder about 6 months before and had been told to be careful when using it. With the amount of experience the party had on snow climbing it was quite evident they should have been roped for descending steep snowfields.