A 31-year-old novice climber was rescued after surviving a 1,500-foot fall down California's Mount Shasta on Sunday, according to US Forest Service officials. The woman, who has not been identified, was attempting to ascend the mountain along the Left of Heart variation of the popular Avalanche Gulch route at an elevation of about 13,000 feet when she fell.
Rescue Efforts and Injuries
The climber suffered a suspected ankle fracture and additional injuries consistent with the significant fall, but she was found alert and in good spirits, the US Forest Service said. Rescue efforts began around noon on Sunday after rangers received a call about the fall. Cloud cover on the mountain prevented a helicopter from reaching her directly, so three rangers had to ascend to her on foot.
One member of the climbing party descended to help carry rescue equipment, while another Good Samaritan climber stopped to assist and remained with the group throughout the rescue, according to the Forest Service.
Evacuation and Medical Care
The woman was secured in a rescue litter and lowered to Lake Helen. She was eventually taken by a California Highway Patrol helicopter to Mercy Medical Center Mount Shasta for medical care at about 5:30 pm, the Forest Service reported.
Safety Reminder from Officials
“This incident serves as an important reminder that Mount Shasta is a high-altitude mountaineering environment, not a hike. Even experienced climbers can encounter rapidly changing weather, steep snow and ice, rockfall, and hazardous fall conditions,” the Forest Service said in a statement. Officials encouraged climbers to “be honest about your experience and physical conditioning” before attempting to summit the mountain.
Avalanche Gulch “is steep and rigorous requiring crampons, a mountain axe, helmet, and basic snow travel skills,” according to the Mount Shasta Avalanche Center. The route features a 7,000-foot vertical ascent with steep snow and ice, rock fall, and weather extremes.
