BIG PINE, Calif., Aug. 11 (Bishop Times) — A climber died after falling while descending Mount Sill in the North Couloir area of the Palisade Glacier on Monday, June 29, prompting a technical rescue by Inyo County agencies and Fresno CHP Air Operations.
Inyo County Search and Rescue said in a Facebook post that two climbers were descending when one lost control and fell down a steep, snow-covered slope. The other climber called 911.
Two search-and-rescue members were flown to the Mount Sill Glacier at an elevation of 12,500 feet, about 600 feet below the fallen climber. An unexpected snowstorm then halted further helicopter operations for the night.
The rescuers and surviving climber remained overnight in a bergschrund, a deep crevice near the edge of a glacier. The injured climber died during the night, according to Search and Rescue.
At first light, additional rescuers were flown into the area. The deceased climber was recovered, and the surviving climber was brought down the glacier to a waiting helicopter.
The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office and Inyo County Search and Rescue responded to the incident. Authorities have not released the climbers’ names or additional personal information.
