In April, a party of three climbers attempting the east ridge of Mt. Logan required evacuation from approximately 4,800 meters (15,748 feet). One of the members was experiencing symptoms of high altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

In early May, a female solo climber, nine days into a traverse of Logan, was unable to continue up the east ridge as a result of a severe earthquake, followed by a prolonged storm. The terrain above and below her became unstable. After three days of waiting out the storm, she was evacuated from 3,700 meters (12,139 feet).

In late May a climber injured his knee while skiing back from Prospector’s Peak on the King Trench route of Mt. Logan and was unable to continue. A rescue party was able to land at approximately 4,700 meters (15,419 feet) the same day and evacuate the climber and his guide.

ANALYSIS

All of these incidents underscore the value of having a self-rescue plan, the ability and preparedness to wait for assistance if self-rescue is not an option, and effective means of communications with rescuers. (Source: Scott Stewart, Visitor Safety Coordinator.)