Fall on Snow, Failure to Follow Route, Inadequate Equipment, California, Mount Whitney

Publication Year: 1986.

FALL ON SNOW, FAILURE TO FOLLOW ROUTE, INADEQUATE EQUIPMENT

California, Mount Whitney

Andrew Richey (24) and his partner were attempting to climb the East Face of Mt.

Whitney, but got off route and were in a couloir to the south of the route. When it was obvious to them that they were off route, they descended and got on some snow. Richey fell and was unable to self-arrest, resulting in a fracture. A helicopter rescue ensued. (Source: Mike Renta, China Lake Mountain Rescue)

Analysis

These climbers had no rope or crampons. (Source: Mike Renta, China Lake Mountain Rescue)