OFF ROUTE, PARTY SEPARATED, INEXPERIENCE

British Columbia, Selkirk Mountains, Avalanche Peak

Two climbers on Avalanche Peak found themselves separated. One of the climbers with no previous experience down-climbed a series of small cliffs until he found himself looking down a 200-meter vertical drop. Unable to climb back up the cliff bands he had jumped down, he settled in to wait. His partner, who described himself as very experienced, reached the bottom and spotted the stranded climber. Two hikers were sent for help.

An HRS equipped helicopter was working in the area. The stranded climber was slung out by the Warden Service to Rogers Pass.

Analysis

This situation saw an experienced climber leaving an inexperienced climber to find his own way down, resulting in the climber becoming stranded. (Source: Parks Canada Warden Service)