At around 2 p.m. on September 5, a report came in from an RMI guide that he had encountered an independent climber (age approximately 35) who had fallen into a crevasse on the Muir Snowfield at around 9,900 feet. The climber was several feet below the surface and was stemming the two walls of the crevasse, with about 30 feet below his boots to the bottom of the crevasse.

RMI guides helped to extract the suspended climber by reaching into the crevasse and lifting him up and out. Once the climber was on the surface, the guides assessed the patient and noticed a possible shoulder dislocation. With the help of the climber’s partner, the guides reduced the possible shoulder dislocation. Rangers then assisted the climber in descending to Paradise, where he was advised to seek medical care. (Source: Mt. Rainier National Park.)

ANALYSIS

This incident is presented as a reminder that crevasse falls occur fairly frequently on the Muir Snowfield, where easy access lures many climbers, hikers, and skiers who are unprepared for safe glacier travel. (Source: The Editors.)