Climber Falls 1000 Feet in GTNP

An unidentified man fell about 1000 feet while climbing the Middle Teton Sunday morning and was the subject of an intense search during unstable weather conditions in the mountains.  While little information is being released about the incident, Park Spokesperson Jackie Skaggs says rangers were dispatched shortly before noon and were able to briefly put up a helicopter to search for the man.  She says rangers flew a reconnaissance flight and located someone in what is called the “Northwest Couloir.”  Skaggs says the man had been climbing with two other climbers at the time the accident occurred.  When they discovered the unidentified man missing, they began an unsuccessful search for him.  It was the helicopter that finally located him.  Rangers then tried to make contact and get a response but there was none and no movement.  Weather conditions prevented rescuers from reaching the fallen climber and it was decided to make another attempt to reach him Monday after the weather had cleared.  Further information about the climber and members of his party were not immediately available.