FALL ON SNOW, UNABLE TO SELF-ARREST

Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park, Grand Teton

On August 13, 1993, CR (27) was returning via the Owen-Spalding route from a successful climb of the Exum Ridge on the Grand Teton. At 1230 he was descending steep snow just below the upper saddle when he slipped, failed to self-arrest, and fell approximately 1000 feet on mixed snow and rock down a steep couloir. CR apparently died instantly of massive head injuries. His body was evacuated by heliocopter at 1600 that day. (Source: Renny Jackson, SAR Ranger, Grand Teton National Park)

Analysis

The summer of 1993 saw snow at the upper elevations until it was nearly time for the coming year's snows to begin again. Many parties experienced difficulties as a result. (Source: Jed Williamson)