ROCK LEDGE BROKE OFF – FALLING ROCK HIT CLIMBING PARTNER

Alberta, Kananaskis Country, Mount Yamnuska

On May 22,JK and A were climbing the Necromancer route (5.10a, eleven pitches) on Mount Yamnuska. JK was leading the second pitch and stepped on a ledge to start a traverse when the ledge broke off. A soccer ball-sized rock landed on As foot breaking it. JK lowered off gear, tandem rappelled with A off the route, and splinted the foot and leg once at the base. A was heli-slung from the base by Kananaskis Country Public Safety Specialists. (Source: Kananaskis Country Public Safety Program)

(Canadian Editor’s Note: Loose hand and footholds are not uncommon in the Canadian Rockies. This is a good example of the party being able to self-rescue and administer first aid while waiting for an organized evacuation.)