Chilling Tale of Ice Climber’s 40-Foot Plunge and Rescue from Icy Depths at Hyalite Canyon’s Zack Attack

With its promising thrilling ascents, the rugged wilderness of Montana Canyon has always been captivating and unforgiving. Adorned with over 150 challenging icy routes, a group of climbers embarked on a climbing journey on ‘Zack Attack’ near the Hyalite Reservoir in Montana. However, their excitement had been short-lived when their adventure took a perilous turn.

One of the ice climbers from the group suffered from a harrowing fall, followed by which the Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) members were alarmed. After plunging to 40 feet, the rescuers brought him back from the brink of death.  

Ice climber undergoes a fateful plunge

The accident took place on December 16, Saturday, when at around 3:53 p.m., Gallatin County was alarmed by a 911 distress call from the group of ice climbers stranded at the Zack Attack. Since a member from the ice-climbing group met with a catastrophe, refusing to leave him alone, the other members swiftly informed and summoned help. 

As reported by The Sacramento Bee, the rescue team highlighted on their Facebook post about the immediate reporting when faced with an emergency. They said, “Sheriff (Dan) Springer would like to remind the public that calling early is always the best option when faced with a possible emergency.”

The ice climber was severely injured in the back, which had left him immobilized. Known as the “most concentrated, natural climbing venue in North America”, the rescue team raced to the scene equipped with specialized gear and expertise and spurred into immediate action.

Rescue efforts unfold

Owing to the ruggedness of the terrain, which makes most of the 150 ice-climbing routes difficult to traverse, the rescue team opted for a short-haul line technique. Besides the GCSSAR team, the Hyalite Fire Department and an AMR ambulance attended the stranded ice climber. After airlifting him from the remote spot, he was swiftly transferred to a waiting ambulance.   

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Situated approximately 10 miles south of Bozeman, the Hyalite Canyon with its majestic beauty allures ice climbers, leading them to the brink of death. In November, a 36-year-old ice climber faced a fall near Grotto Falls that claimed his life at Custer Gallatin National Forest, located close to the Hyalite Canyon. 

Sheriff Springer has highlighted the precautionary measures that must be adhered to while embarking on ice-climbing adventures. Firstly prompt action to inform the rescue officials holds extreme importance. In addition to this, the ice climbers are advised to carry adequate supplies to survive for longer than expected. 

The back-to-back tragic incidents at Hyalite Canyon serve as a reminder for the ice-climbers to tread with absolute caution and precision. In the meantime, adherence to safety protocols while traversing through the unforgiving terrain remains paramount in safeguarding their lives and enjoying the thrilling experience.

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