FALL ON ROCK—ROCK DISLODGED, CLIMBING UNROPED

Alberta, Mount Neptuak

On August 10, a party of two were ascending the normal Northwest Ridge route on Mount Neptuak. The route is mostly loose 3rd and 4th Class, but is an exposed ridge on certain sections. While climbing a short, easy 5th Class step unroped, N.T. dislodged a hold, causing him to fall approximately 50 feet to lower angled terrain, then fell another 100 feet. He was killed in the fall. His partner returned to the hiking trail at Wenkchemna Pass and sent nearby hikers for help. A Warden Service rescue crew responded, and the deceased was evacuated by heli-sling.

Analysis

The route is technically easy, but is typical of the area because of loose rock and exposed sections. (Source: Parks Canada Warden Service)