FALL ON ROCK, INADEQUATE BELAY

Alberta, Kananaskis Country, Grassi Lakes

On July 25, two climbers were ascending a bolted route on the White Imperialist wall at Grassi Lakes. The lead climber fell from above the fourth bolt. The belay was using an ATC belay device but was unable to hold the leader fall as the rope burned her hand. The leader fell 20 feet landing on his tailbone. Kananaskis Country Public Safety Specialists evacuated the injured climber. (Source: Kananaskis Country Public Safety Program)

(Canadian Editor’s Note: There was no indication that equipment failure or faulty use of equipment was a contributing factor.)