Rescue — Mt. Adams, Mar 28, 2010
Douglas Soholt, age 25, of Colorado, hiking with companion Nathaniel Blauss, age 28, of Hanson, MA · party of 2
On March 28, 2010, hiker Douglas Soholt lost his footing on icy alpine slab on the Gulfside Trail during descent from Mt. Adams summit and slid approximately 1,500 feet down the headwall of King Ravine. He was able to call 911 after coming to rest near treeline, having suffered superficial head injuries. Rescuers from NH Fish and Game and AVSAR reached him at approximately 8:30 PM and he walked out to the trailhead at 12:45 AM.
What we can learn
Traditional crampons and an ice axe, not micro crampons and ski poles, should be standard equipment on alpine trails near technical terrain above treeline in winter conditions; proper gear would likely have prevented the fall or enabled self-arrest.
Contributing factors