VARIOUS FALLS, OVERDUE, LOST, AND TWO MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

California, Mount Shasta

With above normal snowpack, climbing conditions remained fairly good through most of the season (May-September). This was the third year with no fatalities and decreasing rescues and searches. Helicopters were used only twice for the total of five rescues. A helicopter was used once during a search. Of the three searches, two involved climbing parties who ran later than expected and had to bivouac, while one involved a lost climber.

One contributing cause to this decrease in searches and rescues may be due to climbing safety education and information provided by the Mount Shasta Climbing Rangers through presentations in retail stores and outdoor clubs, contact with the public on the mountain, the web page and the telephone recording. In addition, information provided by the Station’s front desk personnel has added to the public’s safety.

Most of the public assists this season involved route finding, instruction on proper equipment use (glissading) and assistance with these skills. Commercial climbing guides performed two rescues and one search involving their clients. As far as search, rescue, and public assists go, it was a quiet season on Mount Shasta. (Source: Eric White-Climbing Ranger and Avalanche Specialist)