FALL ON SNOW, UNABLE TO SELF-ARREST

Oregon, Mount Hood, Southside

While descending the Mazama Chute variation of the Southside route at 7:00 a.m. on July 7, Bryan Call (25) lost his footing and fell about 200 feet because he was unable to self-arrest. His slide ended at the Hot Rocks area. He had multiple abrasions, a sore elbow, and a knee injury.

Nearby climbers rendered first aid and notified authorities by cell phone. Call was evacuated by a ground team manned by Portland Mountain Rescue, American Medical Response, and the Timberline Ski Patrol.

Analysis

Self-arrest is a basic skill that must be mastered by all climbers. The steepness and exposure on this route resulted in at least two other injury accidents in the same month. (Source: Jeff Scheetz, Portland Mountain Rescue)