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Show ACCIDENT SUMMARY At 0500 hours on 19 March, I960, K. P., G. H., and R. B. left their car on State Highway 82 west of Twin Lakes to climb LaPlata Peak via Ellingwood Ridge. K. P. had done considerable mountaineering, both winter and summer, during the past four years. Three months prior to this accident he had attended an eight- hour avalanche school taught by Forest Service and Ski Patrol personnel. G. H. had two years of mountaineering experience, and R. B. had five years of experience. All were 25 years old. When the party had reached an elevation of about 13,000 feet, they realized there was insufficient time left to complete the climb. They turned back, deciding to make a second attempt on the 14,340 foot peak the next day. As they reached timberline, they dropped into a small steep basin. All were wearing snow-shoes. Suddenly, about 50 feet above the group an avalanche released. The time was approximately 1730 and the sun was still on the slope. R. B. was carried down the slide about 150 feet to near the toe of the debris Most of his legs were covered, but he was able to free himself quickly. He climbed up the slide to G. H. who had been carried only 20- 30 feet where he was stopped by a clump of trees. He was nearly buried but with R. B.' s help, he was free in about 45 minutes. They made a quick search of the slide but found no trace of K. P. R. B. left for help about 1830 hours, while G. H. remained and continued searching. R. B. reached a resort lodge at 1945. RESCUE The owner of the lodge called the Lake County Rescue Unit. Since proper equipment was lacking, a call was made to the Dillon area for probe poles, experienced men, and other rescue equipment. The local District Ranger had received only informal avalanche training, and did not feel qualified to lead such a rescue. A request was made for the Ranger at Dillon, but he was out of town. Eventually, three rescue groups responded- the Lake County group, the Rocky Mountain Rescue Group ( Boulder, Colorado), and the National Ski Patrol- Local people also responded as volunteers. The Lake County rescue team arrived at the lodge at 2145. When miners lamps arrived from the Climax Molybdenum Company, the first party left at 2245. It was recognized that the avalanche hazard was very high, so a team of the five most experienced men were dispatched. In the meantime, when it had become too dark to search further, G. H. followed R. B.' s trail back to the highway. En route he met the first rescue party. The first party arrived at the scene about 0300 on 20 March. Because of the darkness, unfami1iarity of the terrain, and high avalanche hazard, they decided to delay their search until dawn. A second group of four men was dispatched at 0100 hours on 20 March, and arrived at the accident scene at 0445 hours. Travel was slow and arduous due to the steep slope, deep snow, and dense brush and downed timber. The third party departed at 0407 with nine men. This group chose a more open route and arrived at 0530 carrying sandwiches for the group at the scene. 60 |
