Mount Shasta Rangers Rescue Novice Climber After 1,500ft Fall at 13,000ft
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 2
Mount Shasta Rangers Rescue Novice Climber After 1,500ft Fall at 13,000ft
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 2
Summary
A 31-year-old woman survived a 1,500ft fall on Mount Shasta’s Left of Heart variation near 13,000ft and was found alert despite a suspected ankle fracture and other injuries.
Cloud cover blocked a direct helicopter pickup, so three U.S. Forest Service rangers climbed to her on foot after a noon distress call and lowered her by rescue litter to Lake Helen.
One member of her three-person novice party descended to help carry rescue gear, and a passing climber stayed with the group throughout the operation.
By about 5:30 p.m., a California Highway Patrol helicopter flew her from Lake Helen to Mercy Medical Center Mount Shasta for treatment.
The Forest Service said the incident underscores that Avalanche Gulch is a high-altitude mountaineering route requiring crampons, an ice axe, a helmet and basic snow-travel skills.