FALL ON SNOW-SKI MOUNTAINEERING, INADEQUATE EQUPMENT FOR THE CONDITIONS

Oregon, Mount Hood, Reid Glacier

On May 6, four experienced climbers were circumnavigating Mount Hood (crossing Yokum Ridge) at the 7,600-foot elevation when telemark skier Jeremy (41) lost his edge on an icy patch and fell about 300 feet over rocky slabs. The other three skiers (randonée) were able locate the subject from a rockfall area and make cellphone contact to initiate a rescue. Portland Mountain Rescue teams performed an extensive ground evacuation using multiple raising systems to an awaiting ski area snowcat.

The fall resulted in multiple fractures.

Analysis

Jeremy was using telemark equipment whilst his companions were randonee equipped. If the first skier across the icy slope had warned of conditions, perhaps Jeremy could have shifted to crampons. It is not known if the skiers were using self-arresting ski poles. (Source: Jeff Scheetz, Portland Mountain Rescue)