VARIOUS FALLS ON ROCK (22 LEADER FALLS)–MOSTLY INADEQUATE PROTECTION, OFF ROUTE (2), RAPPEL ERROR, INADEQUATE BELAY New York, Mohonk Preserve, Shawangunks

There were 24 climbing related accidents reported from the Mohonk Preserve this year. The majority of the accidents that resulted in fairly serious injuries were caused by inadequate protection—resulting in long falls; having too much slack in the rope—resulting in falling all the way to the ground and/or a ledge; or just impacting the cliff-face. In two cases, the falls were the result of being off-route on a more difficult route than had been anticipated. The rappelling accident was the result of an inadequate braking system, so the rope ran too quickly through the rappeller’s hands, causing rope-burn.

Only two vertical cliff rescues were required. In both cases, climbers were evacuated in a litter with fall C-spine precautions. In most other cases, the climbers were encountered, treated, and evacuated from the base of the cliff.

As seems to be the case with the previous several years, the average age of the climbers was 39 and the average degree of difficulty of the climbs was moderate AT 5.8.

The incident reports are very brief in terms of narrative, and therefore, no specific narratives are included. From time to time, as in the case of last year, reports are sent forward by the persons involved. (Source: From the Annual Report submitted by the Mohonk Preserve and Jed Williamson)