Date of Event: Early 1990s (exact date unknown)
Canyon involved: South Fork Tuolumne
Region: Sierra Nevada Mountains, California
Country: United States
Submitted by: Sarah Perlotto
Source: Technical Rescue E-Mag 21
Injury: Femur fracture, Hypothermia
Cause: Failure to retreat
Description of Event: Two canyoneers attempted a first descent of the South Fork of the Tuolumne River, a narrow slot canyon with long waterfall drops. Slick granite and small working ledges complicated the journey. The canyoneers did not have rope, lifejackets, or thermal protection. The lead jumped into a pool from the third drop and landed on a submerged boulder, breaking his femur. As they did not have fixed ropes, he was unable to retreat. His partner was able to retreat up the last drop they had both completed, and was spotted by another party while shouting for help. They were able to retreat and call search and rescue. The responders assessed the situation: it was too tight for a helicopter, “river running less than 500 cfs but drops over 500 feet per mile… freight train forces.” The partner canyoneer was experiencing symptoms of hypothermia. The lead canyoneer feared to be dead. Consequently the responders placed bolts and sent the most experienced team member to rappel aside the waterfall. He was able to make contact with the lead canyoneer who had sheltered in a protected place. The other responders were able to haul the first responder and canyoneer up the falls.
Analysis:
- Pools can contain underwater hazards (bedrock feature, stick, boulder, siphon…) that are not visible from above. Jumps must be scouted first, which often involves a person descending on rope.
- When a blind leap is the only option to move forward, finding a safe means of retreat or escape becomes the top priority.