Rescuers are working to reach four climbers who fell on Alaska's Mount McKinley, North America's tallest peak, the National Park Service reported Thursday. The incident occurred overnight, and rangers are waiting for a favorable weather window to deploy a helicopter to the area, according to an agency statement.
Details of the Fall
The four climbers were part of a seven-person team. The fall took place near Denali Pass at approximately 18,200 feet (5,547 meters). The three other climbers who did not fall attended to the injured and then returned to camp. The climbers later made their way back to high camp at around 17,000 feet (5,181 meters). Mount McKinley stands at about 20,310 feet (6,190 meters).
Park officials have maintained communication with the three uninjured climbers, said Scott Carr, a park service spokesperson. He added that further information would be released “if and when it becomes appropriate.”
Historical Risks on the Route
The traverse between high camp and Denali Pass has been the site of numerous climbing injuries and deaths over the years, primarily due to unprotected falls, according to the park. To mitigate risks, park rangers and mountain guides install and maintain snow pickets along this route. These pickets are used to build anchors for extra protection on steep slopes. Climbers are strongly advised to carry their own pickets in case the installed protection is missing.
Weather Delays Rescue Efforts
Weather conditions have not improved as hoped. Carr noted that conditions throughout Thursday were variable, with low cloud ceilings and limited visibility. Authorities are still waiting for a safe opportunity to fly. “Helicopter operations will start when a weather window opens up,” he said.
The typical climbing season for Mount McKinley runs from late April to mid-July. As of Thursday, there were 516 climbers on the mountain, according to Carr.
Separate Incident
In a separate incident on Wednesday, two climbers were evacuated from the mountain by helicopter around 11 p.m. The park service did not provide additional details about that event.
