California, Half Dome, Yosemite

Publication Year: 1968.

California, Half Dome, Yosemite National Park. On 31 March Larry Greene (29) and Edwin Hermans, Jr. (24) were climbing on Half Dome. It is impossible to reconstruct exact sequence of events. Accident scene was at lower end of steep avalanche gully with 4th and 5th class rock above and below. High avalanche danger at the time. Indications were that party was caught in an avalanche and/or fell. Bodies were not found until June 17.

Source: Steve Hickman, Park Ranger, Yosemite National Park.

Analysis: Party exercised poor judgement based on inexperience. Party had little or no knowledge of snow and ice techniques or of avalanche hazard.