LCC Accident 7/13

Saw search and rescue out and helicopters this afternoon. Looked like there was an accident near pentapitch area. Does anyone have more info?  Hope everyone is ok 

Nut popped at beginning of last pitch. Climber with lower leg injury and stable.

Glad they're stable. If they fell into the anchor that's an awkward fall

Posted on the SLCOSAR FB page:

SLCOSAR were called out Thursday afternoon, July 13th to aid an injured climber on Pentapitch climbing route in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The climber took a lead fall on the fourth or fifth pitch and while this would normally result in an elevated heart rate and a learning experience, this time resulted in badly broken lower leg bones. The injured climber's partner immediately lowered him to a belay ledge. Other climbers nearby also assisted by helping splint the injured leg and lowering them to the base of the route. We deployed several teams of rescuers to the base of the route and other locations along the approach trail. UFA paramedics also hiked to the base of the climbing route to treat the injury and provide pain management. The team used rope systems and muscle to transport the patient in a litter to an open area lower on the mountain. The DPS Aero Bureau were requested to hoist the patient from that location to a waiting ambulance. All soon hiked back to incident command.

I know I'm getting soft but the last time I climbed that pitch I was totally spooked. I don't know if I was having a tough day mentally, if I made the mistake of bringing shoes that were too comfortable, or if I missed a gear placement. 

tenesmus wrote:

I know I'm getting soft but the last time I climbed that pitch I was totally spooked. I don't know if I was having a tough day mentally, if I made the mistake of bringing shoes that were too comfortable, or if I missed a gear placement. 

All of above ...

tenesmus wrote:

I know I'm getting soft but the last time I climbed that pitch I was totally spooked. I don't know if I was having a tough day mentally, if I made the mistake of bringing shoes that were too comfortable, or if I missed a gear placement. 

I think I know exactly what you are talking about and where the nut popped.  I remember placing a small nut on a pretty run-out section, wondering if it would actually hold a fall and thinking I might hit things if it didn't.  

Last pitch is hard to protect. Spooky even for experienced leaders. 

Protection seems mostly mental there...

tenesmus wrote:

I know I'm getting soft but the last time I climbed that pitch I was totally spooked. I don't know if I was having a tough day mentally, if I made the mistake of bringing shoes that were too comfortable, or if I missed a gear placement. 

Yup this and the ensuing comments sum up my feelings on that pitch. 

I dunno last time I did it the pro seemed excellent to me. YMMV.

Hopes for a good recovery. . .

Greg Gavin wrote:

I dunno last time I did it the pro seemed excellent to me. YMMV.

Agreed, a little spicy around the bolt but rated G in my book. 

Anyone remember the little tree folks used to tie off about halfway up that pitch?

Greg Gavin wrote:

I dunno last time I did it the pro seemed excellent to me. YMMV.

Agree, its a splitter tips crack it eats gear especially nuts

I remember that tree!  I think too many of us stood on it!

tenesmus wrote:

I know I'm getting soft but the last time I climbed that pitch I was totally spooked. I don't know if I was having a tough day mentally, if I made the mistake of bringing shoes that were too comfortable, or if I missed a gear placement. 

....weenie.... 

However, you were in your basketball shoes it would be kind of proud.