FALL ON ICE, INADEQUATE PROTECTION, CLIMBING ALONE

Alberta, Waterton National Park, Expert’s Choice

On February 10, a middle-aged male was attempting a solo ascent of the lower left pitch of Expert's Choice (WI4). He apparently was dragging a rope and performing a selfbelay of some fashion when he fell about 20 meters, pulling out a number of screws on the way. Despite injuries to his hand, back and neck, he was able to walk or crawl down the trail to the roadway, where his wife was waiting. He was driven to hospital, where he remained for at least a month, with a broken finger and a broken vertebrae. (Source: Parks Canada Warden Service)