LOSS OF CONTROL—VOLUNTARY GLISSADE, CLIMBING ALONE,

NO HARD HAT

Wyoming, Wind River Canyon, Dinwoody Pass

On September 1, Steve Fleming (45) was unable to self-arrest while descending from Dinwoody Pass. In a report he submitted, he stated that the snowfield he ascended in the morning required crampons, but had softened in the afternoon to the point where “my ice ax would not hold as my brake.“ He said he slid over 100 yards, striking many exposed rocks. He as able to slow his descent somewhat by rolling onto his back and digging in his heels.

Analysis

This accident could have been avoided if I had taken the time to test conditions. It would also have helped if I had used the shaft end of my ax, not the point.

Because of a severely sprained ankle and a gash on the back of my head, I was medivacked to the hospital in Jackson. I also received excellent help from other climbers in the area.... (Source: Steve Fleming)