FALL ON ROCK

Alberta, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Back of the Lake Crag, Ash Wednesday

On October 10, T. (24) and his partner D., were climbing at the Back of the Lake crag area near Lake Louise. T. was leading the 10.b route Ash Wednesday when he fell and injured his ankle. His partner lowered him to the ground and T. attempted to hobble out but made it only as far as the lakeshore trail before he determined that the injury was more serious and painful than he first supposed. D. called for help on his cell phone. Warden rescuers splinted T.’s ankle and wheeled him out on a wheeled stretcher to a waiting ambulance. X-Rays determined that T. had a closed fracture of the left fibula.

Analysis

Lead falls even on well protected sport routes can result in injury. (Source: Parks Canada Warden Service, Bradford White)