Safety Blog Posts
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Hiking Party Uses Mountain Rescue Skills
David Shema
Just prior to reaching the summit of Mount Pugh, we encountered a solo hiker that had passed us earlier on the way up. However he was not on the established trail and none of us could see him initially. He asked us to go back where he could see us. Read more…
Almost Toast - Munter Rappel Goes Bad
David Shema
The student climbed to the top of one of the pinnacles on the climbing wall and set up for a rappel using a Munter Hitch. He constructed the Munter properly and was checked out at the top by the instructor. Good to go, the student unclipped his personal anchor and began his descent. Read more…
It's Too Popular an Area for Trundling to Ever Be an Option
David Shema
June 16, The Tooth (Snoqualmie Pass)
After a fun climb of The Tooth, a football-sized rock was knocked loose when a rappeller weighed the tree-root anchor that was touching the rock. Read more…
This Handhold Was Not So Solid
David Shema
August 10, Gothic Peak (Barlow Pass)
Near the bottom of the summit block on Gothic Peak, the last scrambler in line fell a short distance and hurt her side. Read more…
Snowshoeing in Steep Terrain
David Shema
December 30, 2012 - Snoqualmie Mountain Read more…
Collision While Doing a "Running" Rappel
David Shema
[Leader]
This incident was a close call because fortunately no injury occurred. Read more…
Incident Reporting
David Shema
Ever wonder what happens when you report an incident? What happens to the information supplied, when should you report an incident, and what information is needed? Read more…
Bumpy Waters lead to a 3-Capsize Paddle
David Shema
Gale force winds from the NW were forecasted so our kayak trip was changed to Hope Island in Skagit Bay, hoping for some protection from the NW wind. Read more…
Quick Reminder - September. Hibox. Hornets.
David Shema
A lovely September day for a scramble of Hibox, and
nothing very important, just that we encountered:
multiple hornet nests
with multiple hornets
stinging multiple scramblers
multiple times
Expert Team Assesses Fixed Anchors on Forbidden Peak
Joe Sambataro
Written by Joe Sambataro, Northwest Regional Director for The Access Fund Read more…
Mt. St. Helens Backpack Challenge: Keep from leading a Kindergarten Field Trip
David Shema
Backpacking
June 27
Loowit Trail, Mt St Helens, South Fork Toutle River Crossing
Injuries: None
Cause of Accident/Incident: Navigation challenge & Party Split Read more…
The Risk of Familiarity
David Shema
November 2 - The Tooth/South Face
Injury: None.
Cause: A number of converging factors. Read more…
A slip on snow, a grab of the pack, trees escape a bruising
David Shema
April 27 - Guye Peak - Scramble
Injury: None
Cause: Slip on snow Read more…
Going Blind on Mount Hood
David Shema
Mt Hood Palmer Glacier
Injury: Corneal Edema causing blindness in one eye
Cause: Lasik Surgery, altitude, drying wind Read more…
How To: Follow A Climbing Code
The Mountaineers
Many years ago, The Mountaineers devised a set of guidelines to help people conduct themselves safely in the mountains. Based on careful observation of the habits of skilled climbers and a thoughtful analysis of accidents, those guidelines have served well not only for climbers but for all wilderness travelers. Read more…