Lost Hikers on Missouri

[moneymike]

"There was a lot of snow with crust on it [on the mountain] when they were," Palmer said. "When searchers found them, conditions were different."

They were found in a "significant snow field," Palmer said.

Their bodies were found at about 12,000 feet, a mile from the summit.

A helicopter was used to retrieve the bodies from the steep, grassy area.

According to Hans von Gortler, his brother was on the trail and had already reached the summit. He told 9NEWS rescuers informed the family Michael and Makana appeared to be descending and were 200 feet from the summit when they fell.

Terrible writing here, but it almost sounds like they believe when they fell they were on crusty snow, but in the 10 days it took to find them it melted and they were on grass. And since his brother said they had already reached the summit and were descending, they must have tried a more direct descent down rather than going back on the trail. This may indicate an uncontrolled fall on a snow field.

http://www.9news.com/news/article/20636 ... ssouri-Mtn" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

"According to Hans von Gortler, his brother was on the trail and had already reached the summit. He told 9NEWS rescuers informed the family Michael and Makana appeared to be descending and were 200 feet from the summit when they fell. "

We really need to know the spot where the bodies were found to better understand what happened. 200' from the summit puts you near the top of the C couliour and that tricky area discussed in this thread.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=19673&hilit=missouri

Some people have avoided the tricky area by going on the other side. But that would put the bodies in the bowl at the bottom of the north face and around the 12,000 - 12,500 elevation mentioned in news reports. Was there grass there this weekend?

I was on Missouri on Saturday when they found the bodies. In fact I was at the summit at 9:35 when the helicopter spotted them. I didn't see any boddies but I saw the helicopter land on a flat grassy area to the north and east of the summit. The north face was all snow. If a body fell off the north face, it would have been found on snow or rocks, not grass. My best guess is that the hikers headed eastward off the summit and fell somewhere between the summit and elkhead pass.

[Kent McLemore]

Being relatively new to this site, I had a question...

Is it common for a "final report" to be released by SAR or for something more detailed than relying on shotty reports by the media? I believe it's important to respect the family's privacy in these situations, but there is always a wealth of information to learn from these tragedies. Just curious if we ever hear anything more official and accurate.

Annually, the American Alpine Club publishes Accidents in North American Mountaineering. I don't know whether this accident will be covered next year, but if you want to learn from the mistakes of others, it is indispensable: http://americanalpineclub.org/p/anam" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[shaunster_co]

For me it means I am taking an axe on the ones I intend to do in the next week in the San Juans. Even though it may not be needed on a standard route, the fact is you just never know if you might be forced off trail, or a rapid descent by an incoming storm. The snowfields on the north faces seem to be receding quickly - but you just never know. Always terrible to hear this kind of news.

[Greg777]

Thankful for closure...so sorry for the tragic loss. Prayers go to family and friends of the climbers.

[Phill the Thrill]

I was on Missouri on Saturday when they found the bodies. In fact I was at the summit at 9:35 when the helicopter spotted them. I didn't see any boddies but I saw the helicopter land on a flat grassy area to the north and east of the summit. The north face was all snow. If a body fell off the north face, it would have been found on snow or rocks, not grass. My best guess is that the hikers headed eastward off the summit and fell somewhere between the summit and elkhead pass.

The East Ridge of Missouri is rated class 4, but here is what Gerry Roach has to say: "This route's Class 4 rating disguises a serious and dangerous climb. What should be Missouri's premier mountaineering route is so rotten that it is relegated to this author's nightmares." Later, after giving his description of the difficult climb up the East Ridge Roach he briefly concludes: "Descend another route."

[Timmy]

The East Ridge of Missouri is rated class 4, but here is what Gerry Roach has to say: "This route's Class 4 rating disguises a serious and dangerous climb. What should be Missouri's premier mountaineering route is so rotten that it is relegated to this author's nightmares." Later, after giving his description of the difficult climb up the East Ridge Roach he briefly concludes: "Descend another route."

That's what's so odd. The east ridge is well documented as dangerous that you would not expect experienced climbers to attempt that route without being properly prepared (or at all). This is certainly conjecture or speculation but if the weather turned; they could have simply descended off the north face for a more direct route to the basin. Certainly a small snow or skree slide could have contributed to them both falling.

[crossfitter]

I was on Missouri on Saturday when they found the bodies. In fact I was at the summit at 9:35 when the helicopter spotted them. I didn't see any boddies but I saw the helicopter land on a flat grassy area to the north and east of the summit. The north face was all snow. If a body fell off the north face, it would have been found on snow or rocks, not grass. My best guess is that the hikers headed eastward off the summit and fell somewhere between the summit and elkhead pass.

The East Ridge of Missouri is rated class 4, but here is what Gerry Roach has to say: "This route's Class 4 rating disguises a serious and dangerous climb. What should be Missouri's premier mountaineering route is so rotten that it is relegated to this author's nightmares." Later, after giving his description of the difficult climb up the East Ridge Roach he briefly concludes: "Descend another route."

That route description is no joke. Missouri's east ridge has some of the most rotten rock I have ever seen, to the point that some sections make the bells look like solid granite. While the bells have loose blocks sitting around everywhere ready to take off, the holds on the east ridge look attached but literally break off in your hands when you go to grab them. I can't imagine trying to descend it, but if they did I can easily see how an accident could happen.

[CO Native]

The part that still boggles my mind so far is how both were somehow involved in the same accident. I guess they could have been roped together though I haven't heard of them being roped, or maybe one knocked the other off. Unfortunately we will never really know the details of what happened. I'm curious as I usually go with a partner and I'd like to learn from this to avoid such a demise.

[highpilgrim]

The part that still boggles my mind so far is how both were somehow involved in the same accident. I guess they could have been roped together though I haven't heard of them being roped, or maybe one knocked the other off. Unfortunately we will never really know the details of what happened. I'm curious as I usually go with a partner and I'd like to learn from this to avoid such a demise.

+1

My guess: Crossing steep snow and sketched out, they were helping each other get across and all it takes then is one slip. Neither would have let go of the other; you don't let go of your blood.

There's no way I would have let go of my daughter, even knowing the consequences.

[OBC13]

The Elkhead Pass and Missouri Mountain trails intersect at about 12600. I don't understand how they were found at 12000 and 500 feet above the trail. Borneman and Lampert, 1st edition, pages 90-92 has a pertinent discussion on both Missouri Mountain and the value of an ice axe.
May they rest in peace. My deepest sympathy and prayers for their family and friends.

[colosota]

We can all learn from stories like this. Take your time, don't exceed your ability, and stop if you need too. I've climbed Wetterhorn 5 times and last year turned around on a bright, sunny dry day. Why? Ran into a little loose dirt on some rock and my little voice kicked in. Had a sandwich on the ridgeline on the way down and enjoyed some good Black Butte Porter and a plate of Nachos with my friends that night. We all accept the danger, and accidents happen, such as this tragedy. But everyone be smart when climbing the rest of the year. To the family, my prayers go out to you....

[steventraylor]

I have read that section a couple of times. And i agree it is great advice for that mtn and all 14 ers in early summer