FALL ON SNOW

Wyoming, Tetons

On August 9, Bruce Dow (25) was descending the Koven Couloir on Mt. Owen after climbing the East Ridge Route. The party was unroped and was climbing down to the west of the snow in the couloir. Dow fell head first 60 feet down the rock and then slid another 600 feet down snow and rock before coming to rest on a ledge just above the Teton Glacier.

Phil Leeds and Joe Rogers of Jackson witnessed the accident while descending the same route. Leeds then descended to obtain help and Rogers remained at the scene. The Park Rescue Team was contacted at 5:25 p.m.

The Forest Service contract helicopter was used to place Ranger Bob Howard at the scene. Dow’s body was slingloaded and evacuated at 7:15 p.m. (Source: Ralph Tingey, Grand Teton National Park)