FALLING ICE, NO HARD HAT

Washington, Mount Rainier, Ingraham Glacier

On June 4, an ice fall occurred from the top of an 80- to 100-oot ice cliff that the climbing route crosses underneath. In the path were Rainier Mountaineering, Inc., guides and clients. The ice broke apart and spread rapidly, gaining speed. It was dark at the time, and thus difficult to see what was coming down— and where. Two climbers, both guides, were seriously injured, including facial laceration and head trauma. They were able to walk back to Camp Muir, but needed to be evacuated by helicopter from there.

Three others were injured but were able to walk out. (Source: From a Mount Rainier Case Incident Report)