Threads related to Colorado mountaineering accidents but please keep it civil and respectful. Friends and relatives of fallen climbers will be reading these posts.
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Please be respectful when posting - family and friends of fallen climbers might be reading this forum.
Gritz3000 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 14, 2021 7:45 pm
I missed the avenue on the down climb from Kit Carson a couple summers ago. It can happen VERY easily. There is another ledge a few hundred feet below the real route that can be easily confused for Kit Carson avenue. After climbing too low, things can get tough before you even know you are in trouble.
Condolences to the climbers family, it’s scary how quickly these things happen.
+1
yes, and in bad weather and approaching darkness it becomes harder; I know LNT purists will argue against it, but there should be one of those Culebra sized Cairns there.
Disclosure...I am speaking on behalf of myself, not for SAR. Please be cautious and mindful of speculation, especially regarding "missing the Avenue on the descent". I fully understand this occurs frequently as I have done several rescues because of this common error, however this was not likely the case. I will not and cannot provide further detail as to what happened except to say both air and ground rescue techniques went above and beyond typical risk taking to find and rescue her in time. My sincerest and most genuine condolences to her family, friends, and acquaintances. She was the same age as my girlfriend and it greatly pains me to reflect about such a loss of a wonderful soul.
When a safer weather date comes to recover her, an announcement will be made to avoid the area while recovery attempts are conducted. Stay posted.
Pat
Dissent Is Patriotic
Support your local Search and Rescue agency. Be safe and respect your wilderness.
Heartbroken to hear the news. We were in the Willow Lake basin attempting Adams on Saturday and Sunday, both days turned around due to extremely low visibility, wind, and ice on the rocks. The N Ridge on KC can be puckering on nice days, can't imagine how scary it must have been this week. RIP
Very sad, especially knowing she called for help before her eventual fall. The Facebook memorial page is sobering. Condolences to all who knew her.
“There are two kinds of climbers: those who climb because their heart sings when they’re in the mountains, and all the rest.” - Alex Lowe
"There have been joys too great to describe in words, and there have been griefs upon which I cannot dare to dwell; and with those in mind I say, 'Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste, look well to each step, and from the beginning think what may be the end.'" - Edward Whymper
14ers community, please read and share this post regarding the recovery operation on Saturday, October 16th. We are asking all climbers to stay off Kit Carson for safety reasons. https://www.coloradosar.org/recovery-op ... it-carson/
This woman was way too young, beautiful, and accomplished to pass this early. Really hurts to think about, and I can only hope her family/friends are able to cope with it in the future. To SAR thank you and please bring her back Saturday. RIP
