FALL ON ROCK

California, Yosemite Valley

On May 17, 1982, Warren Lee (24) and a partner had just finished a technical climb of the Washington Column and were traversing third-class terrain toward the descent gully. Lee attempted to cross a low-angle slab unroped. He slipped on wet rock and fell about 15 meters down the slab, sustaining multiple cuts, abrasions and lacerations over his entire body. Lee was able to walk out under his own power. (Source: Peter Harrington, Ranger, Yosemite National Park)

Analysis

Both of the preceding accidents involved slipping on wet rock while wearing boots designed for technical rock climbing on dry rock. In one case, the terrain was not of a difficult nature. An old British trick when climbing on wet rock is to pull a pair of thick wool socks over the boots; this provides absorption and better friction. (Source: J. Williamson)