On June 6 a climber was struck in the lower right leg by a large falling block while climbing Missionary’s Crack (5.10) . This was roughly in the area where a major rockfall occurred in August 2009. Two Kananaskis Public Safety personnel were heli-slung to a ledge below the climbers, where they built an anchor. Rescue personnel climbed up to the patient, splinted him, and lowered him to the new anchor, from which he was heli-slung down to a staging area and awaiting EMS personnel.

Analysis

Yamnuska’s limestone is known for loose rock, and on this particular route a large pillar collapsed in 2009, destroying most of the fourth pitch and strewing rock over the lower pitches. This once-popular climb should be undertaken with extreme caution or avoided altogether, and this incident is a good reminder of the value of researching recent conditions before attempting a serious climb. Guidebook author Andy Genereux publishes updates on Yamnuska at his website: ghostriverproductions.ca.