On June 22, Kinley Adams (59), an experienced climber, registered to climb Leuthold’s Couloir. It appears that he got off route, crossed the Yocum Ridge, and continued to the upper headwall section of the Sandy Glacier. Apparently he slipped or was hit by falling rocks and suffered a long fall. He was located at 8,400 feet by an aircrew seven days later, after the weather cleared. The next day a ground team battled avalanche and rockfall hazards to recover his body. He was found without helmet or crampons, and significant head trauma was observed. But his use of such protective gear is inconclusive because a climber can easily lose both crampons and helmet during a long fall.

Analysis

Getting off route can make an easy climb very difficult, and inclement weather can often lead to disorientation. Climbers should study route descriptions well to prevent this. Climbing solo adds additional risk to most routes, although this route was well within the climber’s ability. Dr. Adams carried a cell phone, but the dynamics of the accident did not allow a distress call. (Source: Jeff Scheetz, Portland Mountain Rescue.)