Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park. On 26 July Charles Darling (37) and Vincent Larsen (38) were descending the Middle Teton Glacier near the end of the moraine. Mr. Darling started to glissade and then either slipped or stumbled in attempting to change direction and fell. He rolled several times and flipped twice in a 100 to 150 foot slide ending in some rocks. The weight and bulk of his pack probably kept him rolling and prevented a self-arrest.

Source: Pete Sinclair, Park Ranger.

Analysis: Mr. Darling is experienced and was not tired. The snow was not especially steep. The only probable cause could have been his misjudgement on the weight of the pack he was carrying which put him off balance.