Vonnegut, Mount Wilson / Banff National Park, Canada / Alberta
21/03/2012 13:00 - Effondrement - Accidentel
Climb was assessed for cracks and instability both visually and by sound. Mild temperature approximately -5C This structure was so thin that it moved side to side while I was climbing until past the first 1/3. Ice quality and thickness improved with height. Collapse was caused by overly aggressive tool placements at the top of the ice structure. Situational awareness was lacking during the moment when topping out. The rock surface at the connection point is very smooth and sharp. This gave the impression that the ice was wider than it was. What looked to be 2m was less than 0.75m Ice in this area has a history of “spontaneous” collapse. Usually preceded by load noises.