LOSS OF CONTROL—VOLUNTARY GLISSADE, INADEQUATE, EQUIPMENT— BOOTS, INEXPERIENCE

Wyoming, Tetons

On July 30, 1985, two male employees (early 20s) from Jackson Lake Lodge were descending the snow fields below South Teton when one of them lost control of his glissade and slid ten to 15 meters, banking off some rocks before stopping. He suffered cuts, abrasions, and probably a fractured ankle. (Source: J. Williamson—interview at St. John’s Hospital)

Analysis

These two climbers self-rescued, and did not report the accident to park officials. They had not registered for the climb. They were wearing running shoes, so when they hit the hard snow in the shade, their glissade gathered a little more momentum than expected. (Source: J. Williamson, gleaned from interview and a call to Jenny Lake Ranger Station)