On May 28 a team of five Polish climbers fell while descending the upper mountain above Denali Pass. They descended on their own power to the 17,200- foot camp on the West Buttress route and contacted an NPS ranger patrol there. One climber (39) reported a lower-leg injury and that she had trouble walking. Another (37) reported an arm injury and said the team was worried about continuing to descend unassisted.

One NPS team assisted the injured climbers down the ridge to the top of the fixed lines and then passed them off to another NPS team, who lowered them down the lines and helped them back to the 14,200-foot camp. The climbers waited for the rest of their team to descend from high camp, and then they all continued their descent unassisted.

Analysis

Because of language difficulties, the reason why all five fell is not known. It is known that one of the members had done some significant climbs, but the others only listed a few treks and an ascent of Mt. Elbrus. (Source: Jed Williamson.)

(Editor’s note: We have been informed that Denali National Park rangers, per instruction from higher-ups, will no longer be providing analyses of climbing incidents in the park. This is unfortunate for the larger climbing community, because we will no longer have the benefit of their considerable knowledge and experience.)