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Novice climber, 31, survives 1,500-foot fall down Mount Shasta
New York Post • • general
Key Points:
- A 31-year-old novice climber survived a 1,500-foot fall on Mount Shasta while climbing the Left of Heart variation of the Avalanche Gulch route, astonishing rescuers who found her conscious despite serious injuries.
- The fall occurred between 13,000 and 11,500 feet, and rescuers faced challenging weather conditions, including low cloud cover that prevented direct helicopter access.
- Climbing rangers, assisted by the California Highway Patrol and members of the climber’s party, reached her on foot, treated her on-site, and transported her to Lake Helen for helicopter evacuation to a medical center.
- The woman suffered a suspected broken right ankle and other injuries but survived the incident thanks to quick rescue efforts.
- The US Forest Service emphasized the importance of proper equipment, weather checks, experienced partners, and emergency plans when attempting to summit Mount Shasta due to rapidly changing conditions.
