Climber Killed on Grand Teton

Grand Teton National Park Rangers responded Thursday, July 20, to a report of a climber who fell 40 to 50 feet from the Owen Chimney pitch on the Owen-Spalding route of the Grand Teton, inside Grand Teton National Park. Rangers responded, however, the climber, Braydan Duree of Kuna, Idaho, succumbed to significant injuries during the fall and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Duree’s body was short-hauled from the scene and turned over to the Teton County Coroner’s Office. His two climbing partners were also flown from the scene to the Jenny Lake Search and Rescue Cache at Lupine Meadows.

The Owen-Spaulding route is one of the most popular and classic climbing routes on the Grand Teton, a prominent mountain located in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, United States. The Grand Teton is the highest peak in the Teton Range and attracts climbers from around the world.

The Owen-Spaulding route is considered a classic beginner’s route on the Grand Teton, but it still requires solid climbing skills and proper equipment. It was first climbed in 1929 by Jack Durrance, W.L. “Billy” Owen, and Phil Smith, with assistance from Fritiof Fryxell and Paul Petzoldt.

Here are some key details about the Owen-Spaulding route

1. Difficulty: The route is rated as a Class 5.4 climb, which means it involves some technical climbing and exposed sections.
2. Starting Point: The typical starting point for the climb is the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, which is easily accessible from the Jenny Lake area in Grand Teton National Park.
3. Approach: Climbers hike from the trailhead to the Lower Saddle, a large plateau between the Grand Teton and its neighboring peak, Middle Teton.
4. Route Description: From the Lower Saddle, climbers ascend the ridge of the Grand Teton, navigating through various features like the “Owen Chimney” and the “Belly Roll” before reaching the summit. The route includes some rock climbing, scrambling, and a section of the exposed ridge known as the “Spaulding Chimney.”
5. Descent: The most common descent route is via the Owen-Spaulding route itself, meaning climbers retrace their steps back to the Lower Saddle.
6. Time: The climb typically takes a full day to complete, with an early morning start to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and ensure enough daylight for the climb.
7. Guide Services: Due to the popularity of the Grand Teton and the Owen-Spaulding route, there are guide services available for those who want professional guidance and instruction.

Here’s how the short-haul method works

The short-haul method, also known as short-haul rescue or short-haul technique, is a search and rescue (SAR) technique used in mountainous terrain to quickly and safely recover people from remote and challenging locations. It involves the use of a helicopter and a specialized rescue team to perform the extraction.

1. Helicopter Setup: A helicopter is equipped with a long line, also known as a “short-haul line” or “long line,” which is typically made of steel or a strong synthetic material. The line is attached to the helicopter’s cargo hook.
2. Rescue Technician: A trained and experienced rescue technician, often known as a short-haul or long-line rescue technician, is suspended below the helicopter on the short-haul line. The technician is equipped with appropriate rescue gear and can communicate with the helicopter crew through radio or hand signals.
3. Approach and Extraction: The helicopter approaches the rescue site, carefully navigating the challenging mountainous terrain. The rescue technician is lowered down to the injured or stranded person, and once secured, both the technician and the person to be rescued are lifted together by the helicopter.
4. Transport and Drop-off: The helicopter then transports the individual to a nearby landing zone, depending on the severity of the injuries and the availability of medical care.

The short-haul method is often employed in situations where traditional landing of the helicopter is not feasible due to rugged or inaccessible terrain, high elevation, or other hazards. It allows rescuers to efficiently extract injured parties from precarious locations and avoid the time-consuming and potentially dangerous process of setting up multiple ground-based anchors for a rope rescue.

The short-haul method requires specialized training and expertise from both the helicopter pilot and the rescue technician. They must work together closely to execute the rescue safely, as the helicopter’s rotor wash, wind, and unpredictable terrain can present challenges during the operation.

Overall, the short-haul method has proven to be an effective and lifesaving technique in mountainous search and rescue operations, significantly reducing response times and increasing the chances of successful rescue in challenging environments.