Fall on Snow — Falling Ice Sheet Knocked Climber Off, Climbing Unroped, Oregon, Mount Hood, Southside

Publication Year: 2012.

FALL ON SNOW – FALLING ICE SHEET KNOCKED CLIMBER OFF, CLIMBING UNROPED

Oregon, Mount Hood, Southside

On June 9, Meredith Jacques (30) was ascending the Southside Route with 11 others. They were at the 10,000-foot level near the summit rocks when a “sliding sheet of ice” knocked her from her stance, resulting in a fall of about 300 feet. She sustained head, neck, and back injuries, but was in fair condition.

Analysis

Falling ice near the summit on Mount Hood is a frequent objective hazard whose risk can be minimized by timing. Earlier hours usually offer colder temperatures, which add some diurnal stability to hanging ice. (Source: Jeff Scheetz, Portland Mountain Rescue)