Fall on Rock, Inadequate Belay

California, Squaw Valley, Big Chief Access Road
Climb Year: 2012. Publication Year: 2013.

On June 9, Eric Johnson (23) of Reno fell approximately 40 feet off one of the area’s popular climbing routes, breaking both heels and a vertebra. He fell after his climbing partner failed to secure an adequate belay. (Source: Sierra Sun, June 12, 2012.)

(Editor’s note: We include this brief report because it highlights the theme of our “Know the Ropes” section.)