FALL ON SNOW, CLIMBING UNROPED, FAILURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS

British Columbia, Mount Revelstoke National Park, Mount Macbeth

On June 29, a relatively experienced climber, upon reaching the summit of Mount Macbeth, unroped and fell through the cornice. His body was recovered by heli-sling the following day approximately 330 meters below.

Analysis

Other members of the party stayed roped at the same location, and stated that they advised the victim to also remain tied in. He did not listen to their advice, and then stepped into an area that the others said they would not go near because of obvious cornice potential.

Why the victim chose to forsake both the advice and risk the obvious hazard is unknown, though he had apparently demonstrated some risky behaviour on previous outings as well. (Source: Parks Canada Warden Service; Nelson B.C. RCMP Detachment personnel)