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Show A short instruction period was given to volunteers in the use of probes and search procedure while the Snow Rangers taped out the search areas in the fall line where the victims' belongings were found. Two technical climbers were sent up to the ice field. They found fresh rappel points but established that no one had gone beyond this point. At approximately 2: 45 p. m. the first victim was found and identified as J. G, The body was discovered under about four feet of snow, feet down- slope. An ice mask had formed around his face. The top of his head was badly damaged and it seemed quite evident that he had suffered several fractures. At 3: 15 P- m. the body of the second victim was discovered about 100 feet above the body of J. G. He was buried about three feet under the surface with feet up- slope. A great deal of blood was found under his body, saturating the snow. He had suffered severe head injuries and obvious internal injuries and fractures. The men were not roped together. Between the two bodies an ice axe and a glove were found. The rucksack and second climbing rope belonging to the climbers were not located. The bodies were checked by State Trooper L. H. and then moved by akia to the Tuckerman Trail where they were taken to the base. Medical reports concluded that the victims died instantly from multiple fractures and internal injuries. By 5: 00 p. m. the search operation was officially concluded, with all parties returned to the base. AVALANCHE DATA The slide in Central Gully was a soft slab avalanche, about 2,000 feet long and 500 feet wide. The deposited snow was between 15 and 20 feet deep at the terminus. COMMENTS Although the victims had previous alpine climbing experience, they made a grave and fatal error by attempting to climb under the severe weather conditions of 4 April. Avalanche danger was obviously high. The climbers, though unfamiliar with the area, did not check weather conditions, or sign out on the winter register with the Snow Ranger. The victims also ignored posted warning signs. Ill |
