FALLING ROCK, POOR CONDITIONS – LATE IN SEASON

Oregon, Mount Hood, Sandy Glacier Headwall

On June 28 Chris Haskins (27) and his partner were ascending the Sandy Glacier Headwall route on Mount Hood when Haskins was struck by a falling rock and suffered a fractured femur. His partner relocated him to a safer area and descended to report the accident. Haskins was air evacuated by an Army Blackhawk helicopter with ground assistance by Portland Mountain Rescue.

Analysis

Like most routes on Mount Hood, the Sandy Glacier Headwall is recommended (safe) only early in the season - typically March-April. These climbers were about two months too late for safe conditions this year. Out of state climbers should check on climbing conditions with the USFS or other local resources if they are not familiar with route conditions. (Source: Jeff Sheetz, Portland Mountain Rescue)