On February 5, while ascending the South Side Route, Meg Coker (35) lost her footing at about 10,500-foot elevation. She was unable to self-arrest and slid about 200 feet. She suffered multiple rib fractures and a collapsed lung. Nearby teams (not her teammates) witnessed the fall and provided first aid until professional ski patrollers and paramedics were on scene. A litter team from Portland Mountain Rescue provided sled evacuation to a Timberline snowcat.

Analysis
Coker fell behind her teammates, who were therefore not positioned to assist her. Climbing party strength is reduced when the team is separated. (Source: Jeff Scheetz, Portland Mountain Rescue.)