FALL ON SNOW/ICE, SKI MOUNTAINEERING

Oregon, Mount Hood

On June 15, while ski traversing the Coe glacier at about the 9500-foot elevation, Robert Wiebe (58) went out ahead of his two companions and apparently slipped during a turn. Another party of four Hood River Crag Rats saw him fall about 700 feet. They notified authorities and skied down to assist.

Wiebe died from his injuries before a Blackhawk helicopter from Salem could reach their scene.

Analysis

Late season glacier skiing often involves exposed glacier, ice, and rock. Ski mountaineers should be adept and equipped for self-arrest when on or above steep slopes or crevasses. When traversing technical sections, skiers should be prepared to remove skis and use crampons, ice axes, and rope as the terrain and experience level dictate.