Safety Stories

[Climb Leader]
On August 24, our team had an accident at the base of the Eldorado glacier during the descent from Eldorado Peak. Thanks to a great team work, and a good amount of luck, we were able to continue to the TH without assistance. Read more…

As sometimes happens on trips, successive events combine to leave participants mentally exhausted, and small mistakes can become serious. Though all the scramblers on this trip were relieved to get down unscathed with tales for their families, sometimes group members in these kinds of situations might want to think about turning the party around before circumstances become dire. Read more…

[Leader]
Cause: Slip on Steep Snow (caused by fatigue and inattention/poor technique, according to injured climber). No helmet. Read more…

The level of outdoor community support in the Pacific Northwest is truly unmatched. As a transplant myself, I know it can be difficult to make connections in a new place. Not so much when you go outside. You can roll up to any trailhead, crag, or mountainside and form friendships to last a lifetime. That’s why it’s only fitting that I should find myself here, working at The Mountaineers, through a lucky connection with a fellow outdoor enthusiast: Miles McDonough. Read more…

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…

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…

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…

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…

December 30, 2012 - Snoqualmie Mountain Read more…

[Leader]
This incident was a close call because fortunately no injury occurred.  Read more…

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…

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…

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

Written by Joe Sambataro, Northwest Regional Director for The Access Fund Read more…

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…

November 2 - The Tooth/South Face
Injury: None.  
Cause: A number of converging factors. Read more…

April 27 - Guye Peak - Scramble
Injury:  None
Cause: Slip on snow  Read more…

Mt Hood Palmer Glacier
Injury: Corneal Edema causing blindness in one eye
Cause: Lasik Surgery, altitude, drying wind Read more…

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…