FALL ON ICE, CLIMBING UNROPED

California, Palisade Glacier

I (L. Collett, age 39) was several feet from the top of a small glacier or ice field couloir. The ice was quite exposed with very little snow crust. The slope was approximately 50 degrees. I believe I was looking up at a rock formation and I simply placed my crampons poorly—probably stepped on bare ice. I self-arrested immediately, but my foot must have been twisted. The doctor said it was severely sprained with a possible small fracture. (Source: L. Collett)

Analysis

Falling is a sure cure for inattentiveness. Next time I will be more alert and not take my ability, my equipment, or the mountain for granted. (Source: L. Collett)