Date of Event: 2/17/2018
Canyon involved: Deimos Canyon
Region: Death Valley California
Country: United States
Submitted by: Dan Halim
Source: www.ropewiki.com
Injury: Abrasion or Laceration
Cause: Group dynamics, Lack of communication, Rappel error – no belay
Description of Event: A group of canyoneers of various experience levels (2 advanced, 4 intermediate, 1 beginner) were descending the canyon. Geoff was of larger stature and new to canyoneering and rappelling. He had successfully completed the first 2 shorter rappels of the canyon. On rappel 3, two intermediate canyoneers rappelled first, then continued to move down canyon, unbeknownst to the rest of the party. Geoff was using an ATC-XP for his rappel device and showed apprehension about having adequate friction on this longer (95’) rappel.
The team discussed whether he should use a different rappel device, or use an extra-friction setup like a leg loop carabiner re-direct or z-rig. It was decided that it would be unwise for him to try to learn new techniques on this longer rappel. The plan was for him to use the ATC-XP with 2 carabiners, a method of increasing the friction with this type of device. He struggled on the rappel and 1/3 of the way down he called for a belay, but lost control and fell 60 feet to the ground before the person on the bottom could run back and give a belay. His fall was softened by hitting a small ledge partway down and landing on backpack. He sustained contusions, small lacerations, abrasions, and swelling to the legs, arms, stomach, and head. There were no major or obvious injury reported. He was able to complete the canyon with no additional medical attention required, but was assisted on downclimbs and significant use of fireman belay on rappel.
Discussion about group dynamics: there was 1 expert, 1 advanced, 4 intermediate, 1 beginner. The accident occurred with the beginner on Rappel #3-95′. Geoff was approximately late 30’s male of larger stature and new to rappelling. Geoff was not known to the trip leader and a ‘friend of an intermediate friend’ described as being an avid hiker/backpacker, new to canyoneering. A friend thought Deimos would be a suitable canyon for this person. Geoff was nervous when he started the rappel, and the top team attempted to walk him through it to calm his nerves, but rappeler was out of eyesight quickly. It is unknown whether the rappeler truly did not have adequate friction or if it was a symptom of a newbie not trusting the gear, but Geoff was seen and heard to be exerting significant effort to rappel. About 30′ down rappel, Geoff is heard by the top party asking for a fireman belay urgently, with labored breathing. Intermediate group member at the bottom of the rappel attempted to run back to give belay, but could not reach the rope in time and observed the rappeler fall down the rope, bouncing off a small ledge on the way down and landing on his back on his backpack. Rappeler had let go of the rope in exhaustion from effort, possible due to lack of friction or perceived lack of friction. Rappeler suffered abrasions and swelling from the impact on the rock, but otherwise okay. Continued to complete the canyon with assistance on rappels via changing friction device and controlled fireman belay lowering.
Analysis:
1) The rappel device and method used must be suitable to a person’s size and stature.
2) If it is determined that a member is having significant difficulty with rappel device, it is generally not wize to try out new devices or techniques mid-canyon on difficult rappels. Instead, precautions should be taken to protect that member via belay.
3) Communication among group members concerning individuals having challenges is important.