STRANDED, INADEQUATE EQUIPMENT, WEATHER

British Columbia, Rocky Mountains, Mount Robson

On July 24, 1987, a party of three attempted to climb and descend the Wishbone Arete in one day. They were attempting a lightweight climb, carrying no stove or sleeping bags and only enough food for one day. They left the hut at 1600 and were spotted by a group of climbers descending the mountain that evening. They were reported overdue on July 26 at 1000. Rescuers found them exhausted on a rock part of their descent route. (Source: Jasper National Park Warden Service)

Analysis

The climbers had no North American mountaineering experience. They had climbed three moderately difficult peaks before attempting Mount Robson. They seriously underestimated the severity of the climb, and had an inadequate supply of provisions and bivouac equipment. They were climbing in deteriorating weather as well. (Source: Jasper National Park Warden Service)