A 31-year-old novice climber survived a descent of approximately 1,500 vertical feet down California's Mount Shasta on Sunday after a slip on the Avalanche Gulch route. Cloud cover initially prevented a direct helicopter rescue, necessitating a multi-stage operation involving climbing rangers who ascended the mountain on foot.
The climber, who was with two other novice climbers, slipped near the 13,000-foot elevation. The U.S. Forest Service stated that the incident was a long slide down a steep snow slope rather than a free fall, with the terrain gradually leveling out.
A California Highway Patrol helicopter was on standby but could not reach the injured climber due to the weather. Instead, the helicopter dropped U.S. Forest Service climbing rangers lower on the mountain. These rangers then hiked to the patient while the air crew waited for conditions to improve.
Once rangers reached and stabilized the climber, they used a rescue litter to lower her to Lake Helen. From there, a CHP helicopter was able to land and transport her to Mercy Medical Center Mount Shasta around 5:37 p.m. The entire rescue operation took about five and a half hours from the initial emergency call to the final evacuation.
Rescuers noted the challenging terrain in the area, describing it as extremely steep and funneling into a chute. They also explained that novice climbers often struggle to perform a self-arrest with an ice axe, a crucial maneuver to stop a slide on steep snow.
The woman sustained a suspected fractured ankle and other injuries but remained alert and conscious. Forest Service officials indicated that such slips and falls are common during the latter part of Mount Shasta's climbing season. As summer approaches, melting snow, hardening ice, and loosening rocks can increase the risks.
Mount Shasta is a popular but challenging climbing route, and officials emphasize the importance of proper preparation. The Forest Service advises climbers to be in good physical condition, carry appropriate mountaineering equipment such as ice axes and crampons when conditions warrant, monitor weather and route conditions, climb with experienced partners, and have a clear emergency plan before attempting the 14,179-foot volcano. The Mount Shasta Climbing Ranger program, responsible for this rescue, focuses on educating visitors, monitoring conditions, and responding to emergencies on the busy route.