Experienced Climber Found Dead in Mount St. Helens Crater

By | April 3, 2024

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Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Experienced mountain climber accident
2. Mount St Helens crater fall incident

A body found in the crater of Washington’s Mount St Helens has been identified as that of an “experienced climber” who was preparing to snowboard down the stratovolcano. The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a climbing group that had reached the summit and spotted the body 1,200 feet below. Personal items were found near the rim of the crater, where a snow cornice broke off, causing the tragic accident. The victim, 42-year-old Roscoe Shorey, had summited the volcano 28 times before. Spring conditions can increase the risk of avalanches and cornice collapses, making it crucial to check the weather forecast before embarking on mountain expeditions.

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1. Seasoned mountaineer falls into Mount St Helens crater
2. Skilled climber tragically dies in Mount St Helens accident

Mount St Helens Tragedy: Experienced Climber Found Dead in Crater

A tragic incident unfolded on the slopes of Washington’s Mount St Helens, where the life of an experienced climber came to a sudden and heartbreaking end. Recovery crews discovered the body of a seasoned adventurer who was preparing to descend the stratovolcano by snowboard.

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The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to the grim discovery after a climbing group reached the summit of Mount St Helens. From there, they spotted the body within the crater, located approximately 1,200 feet below the summit. Personal items found near the rim of the crater initially caught the group’s attention, leading them to the tragic scene.

Among the belongings left behind were a backpack, digital recording devices, and other personal effects. A snow cornice near the rim of the crater fractured and collapsed, resulting in the climber’s fatal fall. Snow cornices, while appearing stable on the surface, can be deceptive and hazardous, especially during warm, sunny periods.

The Volcano Rescue Team embarked on a daring mission to recover the climber’s body from the treacherous terrain. Airlifted to the edge of the crater at 8,363 feet, the rescue team then ascended on foot to reach the victim. The deceased was identified as 42-year-old Roscoe Shorey, a resident of Washougal who had summited Mount St Helens an impressive 28 times before.

Spring temperatures can bring instability to snowpack (Image credit: borchee)

Beware of Spring Conditions

Despite the lingering winter vibes, spring temperatures can introduce unpredictability to snowpack conditions. Freeze/thaw cycles become more prevalent, elevating the risk of avalanches and other hazardous events. Snow cornices, like the one that claimed the climber’s life, become increasingly perilous during this time.

When venturing into spring conditions, it’s essential to monitor the mountain weather forecast for the preceding 72 hours. Be wary of signs such as unseasonably warm days, chilly nights, and high winds. To mitigate the risk of encountering snow cornices, it’s advisable to steer clear of ridgelines and maintain a safe distance from summit edges.