Date of Event: 11/15/2011
Canyon involved: Commedia, Dante System
Region: Ticaboo Mesa, Utah
Country: United States
Submitted by: Nolan Jones
Source: self-report
Injury: Sprain or strain
Cause: Anchor error, Group dynamics failure
Description of Event: This was a canyon exploration. On the drive-in approach, we had a miscommunication which cost us 45 minutes and got me angry. I carried this grumpiness into the canyon, and wanted to try my ghetto water anchor. We squabbled here, but I insisted. First rappel – I set up an experimental “ghetto” water anchor poorly, and declined to listen to feedback from others because I was already ticked off. Everyone else rappelled with backup, without testing the anchor well. I went off very carefully on the 60 foot rappel. I stopped 8 feet from the ground to check the landing, and the anchor pulled. I fell 8 feet landing on my butt and with my hand out, putting a slight crack in my radius.
Analysis: Experimental anchors should be backed up until thoroughly tested by heavier canyoneers. Consider having a separate rope belay while in the experimental mode.
ICAD Analysis:
Group dynamics are a critical component of canyon safety. Even for well-acquainted groups; stresses, unexpected problems and delays, and other individual issues can cause temporary strains on relationships and communication. Or, group dynamics can even be non-cooperative from the start!
It’s important to realize that this adds an additional and unknown element of risk. Canyoning is safest when everyone is working as a team and a unit, looking out for each other. Conflicting personalities, short tempers, and other issues can interfere with this dynamic, and although this doesn’t always end in catastrophe, it does not contribute to safety nor a fun experience. Although such problems may not always be resolvable in canyon or immediately, be wary of this type of situation and take extra care looking out for each other when group or individual dynamics are disrupted. Everyone is more prone to mistakes, errors, and bad judgement when their head is not in the right place. Thus, when such situations are observed, everyone should be extra vigilant about ensuring that everything else and other risks that can be controlled or mitigated is done so properly.
Experimental systems should always be tested with redundancy, and preferably, in an environment where failure poses little risk or injury. Anchor systems and forces are complicated, and changes not just in body mass, but also rappel smoothness, angle, foundational composition (eg. moving sand or moving water) and other factors can cause anchor systems to fail for non-obvious reasons even after a heavier person has descended successfully. Jerky starts or stops, starting rappel angle, and obstacles change anchor forces as well.
Ultimately, canyon teams should be fairly self-reliant and capable of self or group rescue; ensure that your team is adequately prepared for contingencies such as failed anchors, missing or non-existent anchors, injuries, bad weather, or other unexpected emergencies. Emergency equipment should always be carried, and if necessary, distributed, to ensure redundancy and availability of equipment should an incident occur. For example, gorilla tape, trash bags, and ibuprofen are immensely valuable and versatile. Work in teams, and work together, to ensure safe and fun adventures.