EXPOSURE, PARTY SEPARATED, INADEQUATE EQUIPMENT

California, Mt. Shasta

On February 3, 1978, Ed Paterson and Ron Sova (34) attempted a winter climb of Mt. Shasta. While Peterson and Sova were in the area of the Red Banks, a fierce winter storm’s full fury hit the mountain. Peterson and Sova became separated. Sova had climbed Mt. Shasta before in the summer but had no winter experience. Peterson climbed down off the mountain and notified Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office and a search was begun.

Because of continued snowing and storm conditions, a full search could not be attempted until February 9, when at this time a break in the storm allowed the Sheriff’s Office to conduct a helicopter search of the area where Sova was last seen. Sova could not be found and the search was called off.

On August 8, Sova’s body was found near the top of the Red Banks. He was wearing a ski sweater, down jacket, Levis, corduroy pants and leather flight boots. Mountaineering friends had given Sova a list of equipment items to take, but none were in evidence. (Source: Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office and Punto Alto Mountaineering)

Analysis

Sova was inexperienced and did not have the proper clothing or gear to sit out a winter storm. Roping up and retreating in the conditions that prevailed were indicated. (Source: Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office and Punto Alto Mountaineering)