[MCR] Cascade Waterfall Melting Incident

Subject: [MCR] Cascade Waterfall Melting Incident
Date: Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:26:46 -0700
There were several parties on Cascade yesterday afternoon even though the
temperature was +4 in the shade in the valley and the sun was fully melting
the route.

At 2:00 PM the leader of a one team was struck by a large piece of melting
ice on the second last pitch and fell a long distance sustaining injuries.
After the rescue, the next team continued on up the climb.

If you are planning ice climbs on sun exposed routes when the temperatures
are forecasted to be above freezing,  the best plan is to be on the ice
very early and sipping beer by 2:00 PM or more prudently to pick a route
that is in the shade.


Brad White
IFMGA Mountain Guide

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