Page 1 of 1

Accident in Platte Clove

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2017 7:48 pm
by dave
On January 29, 2017, it has been reported that there was an climbing accident in Platte Clove. Typically, only more experienced ice climbers climb in Platte Clove. But, with warmer temperatures, some of the ice may have become unstable. Ice Climbers climb in Hell's Hole and Devil's Kitchen.

Our understanding is that Tannersville and Haines Falls fire companies have responded. A helicopter has been called in for an extraction and transport to Albany Medical Center.

More information to follow.

Update - Jan 30: A 28-year-old male ice climber from NYC was climbing in the Devil's Kitchen. Between 1 and 2 PM he fell approximately 40 feet, and then slide down several more drops before some hikers stopped his sliding descent. He had a cut to the head and was mainly banged up. He was able to walk out to Platte Clove Road on his own. They climbed back up Hell's Hole to the Arch Bridge Exit Point. He was then transported to Albany Medical Center by ambulance to be checked out. The SAR and extraction took about 4 hours. There have no reports from the ice climbing community on the accident.

Update on Jan 31 from the DEC - Just after 2 p.m., Greene County 911 reported that a 27-year-old male who had been ice climbing in Platte Cove in the Dark Side area fell approximately 50 feet, suffering head and back injuries. Eleven Forest Rangers, some of whom had been tending to the first victim, responded and secured the victim. He was walked out with the assistance of a technical rope system and was transported to AMC.