On July 16, a guided party of three was ascending the Fuhrmann Ledges route to Abbot Pass Hut. They had to make an exposed traverse under a large gully near the base of the northwest face of Mt. Lefroy in order to access the ledge that crosses the face. The group agreed on a plan to jump to the right (away from the gully) if anyone shouted “rock!” during this traverse. Approximately five minutes into their traverse, a large rock fell toward the party. One member of the group jumped to the right but was still struck in the right arm, sustaining a fractured humerus. The group descended to a sheltered area from which they were evacuated.

ANALYSIS

Exposure to rockfall cannot be avoided on the Fuhrmann Ledges route. However, the risk can be minimized by proper planning and rapid passage through the most exposed areas. If the party had not discussed the plan to jump right prior to their traverse, this incident might have resulted in more serious injuries.