On March 22, two climbers called for assistance after dark when they were unable to find the descent route upon completing Anthill Direct (5 pitches, 5.9-). After searching for the correct way down in the dark without headlamps, and eventually getting their rope stuck on a rappel, they called for help. Rescuers climbed to them at night, in snowy conditions, and then guided them down the standard East Slabs descent (4th class). The rescue took approximately eight hours.

ANALYSIS

This pair started the route at 1:30 p.m. in March and finished in the dark. (Sunset on that date was at 7:15 p.m.) The East Slabs descent from Redgarden Wall is exposed and can be difficult to navigate for the first time even in daylight. Researching the descent as thoroughly as the ascent reduces the chances of a stranding like this.

One of the climbers involved in this incident had much less experience in multi-pitch climbing than her partner and deferred to him, even though she had concerns about the late start and their lack of knowledge about the descent. She encourages climbers to speak up and voice concerns to their partner and not to be intimidated or silenced by a gap in experience. (Source: Rocky Mountain Rescue Group.)