9 Circles of Hiker Hell

[skiguy]

Mountaineers also say uphill.

Are you pertaining to Class 4 and 5 terrain? If so IMO that would literally and figuratively put the discussion in a different realm. If so I would totally agree. In more technical terrain the hazards and risk are heightened from above. Disrupted falling rock and ice from a climber above for example. Also even a falling climber from above presents a hazard to those below. With the above climber yielding to those below it is pertinent to everyone’s safety. Owl’s head slide and N. Tripyramid Slide would IMO would be areas of concern where falling debris present hazards from above. Another example would be Flume Slide and Huntington’s Ravine where the potential of a hiker from above slipping and taking out someone from below is a possibility. Within one’s own party these elements are somewhat easier to control. Individuals from other parties not so easily. Therefore it is important to be aware and hopefully maintain good position in the event of potential falling debris or individuals. Having gone to a presentation by The Author of Accidents in North American Mountaineering many years ago these points were hammered home. The Presenter emphasized how a very high percentage of all accidents in the Mountains were due to poor position.

 

[jfb]

Are you pertaining to Class 4 and 5 terrain?

I assumed he was referring to The Mountaineers from Seattle.