Accidents in North American Mountaineering 2000

Book excerpt: This annual investigative handbook offers detailed reports on more than eighty climbing accidents that occurred in the United States and Canada in 1999. Produced jointly by the Safety Committees of the American Alpine Club and the Alpine Club of Canada, Accidents analyzes what went wrong in each situation to give experienced and beginning mountaineers the opportunity to learn from other climbers' mistakes. From inadequate protection, clothing, or equipment to inexperience, errors in judgment, and exceeding abilities, the mistakes recorded in this book are invaluable safety lessons for all climbers.Founded in 1902, the American Alpine Club is the leading national organization devoted to mountaineering and rock climbing, the conservation and study of mountainous regions, and representing the interests of the American climbing community. The AAC is based in Golden, Colorado.