FALL ON ROCK, PLACED INADEQUATE PROTECTION, INADEQUATE RELAY

Utah, Rig Cottonwood Canyon, Geronimo

On January 22, 1994, a climber (19) was on Geronimo (5.8) when he lost his hold and fell 25 feet. He had not placed adequate protection, and his belayer was unable to stop the fall. (Source: H. T. Moore, Special Operations Division, Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office)

(Editor’s Note: There were many other incidents in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons in 1994, but none with serious injury or fatality reported. The most common problems here are climbers becoming stranded, and protection not being placed or else coming out. These incidents are for the most part happening to climbers converting from indoor, artificial walls to the natural environment.)