Climbing
On August 10, a solo climber was seriously injured in a fall on Mount Shasta, California’s upper Avalanche Gulch, a notoriously steep section near Redbanks at approximately 13,000 feet, according to a social post from the United States Forest Service (USFS). While descending, the man lost control during a glissade (a rapid snow slide technique) and his ice axe was ripped from his grasp. Unable to slow himself, he tumbled several hundred vertical feet, sustaining a leg fracture and multiple scrapes and lacerations, rendering him immobile.
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The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office swiftly coordinated a multi-agency rescue operation, involving the U.S. Forest Service Mount Shasta Climbing Rangers and California Highway Patrol Air Operations. A CHP helicopter inserted a climbing ranger onto the mountain who reached the injured climber and executed a successful hoist extraction. The climber was flown to Mercy Medical Center in Mount Shasta City, where he is expected to make a full recovery.
Forest Service rangers highlighted the risks associated with glissading, a technique that demands favorable conditions such as soft snow, moderate slopes, and expert handling. Climbers are advised to remove crampons before attempting to glissade and to use both the ice axe and boot heels for speed control, maintaining a cautiously slow pace. The upper Avalanche Gulch remains a challenging and potentially hazardous terrain, especially as late summer conditions reduce snow stability.
Rescue responders attribute the successful outcome to rapid coordination and the skill of all agencies involved. As Mount Shasta sees continued climbing activity, especially during its late-season phases, climbers are reminded to prepare thoroughly, respect the mountain’s hazards, and prioritize safety to avoid similar accidents in the future.
Mount Shasta is a stratovolcano situated in the Cascade Range of northern California. It stands at an elevation of 14,179 feet, making it the second-highest peak in the Cascades. The mountain is considered potentially active, with its last eruption in 1786. It holds cultural significance for indigenous tribes and is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as skiing and climbing.
