California, Eagle Scout Peak. On 19 July David Ogden (43) and David McCord (25) were making a traverse of a 45° snow slope which sun had not reached and which was still holding rather hard crust. McCord kicked steps as he had crampons. After traversing some rock Ogden attempted to kick some steps with boots and succeeded for about 8-10 feet then lost footing, slid down about 20 yards, went over a 10 - 15 foot drop off, and landed on granite where snow had pulled away from rock face. McCord twisted his ankles in attempting to intercept Ogden’s fall.

Source: David Ogden.

Analysis: I should have had crampons and we should have carried our climbing rope (left in camp). An ice axe would have been valuable. If we had waited for two or three hours of sun on the snowfield, I expect it would have softened sufficiently for good 3rd class climbing.