rock fall? - Boulder Canyon, Bowling alley, 8/10/08

We were on Bell buttress when we heard the screams. I could see a female on the ground cradleing her leg, but obviously conscious.

The info I heard second and third hand on the ground was that rockfall had caused a compound fracture.

There were 8-10 rescue vehicles on the scene within 15 min, and as we left, they were setting up to lower the injured back to the road in a litter rather than walk her down. I'm sure there will be better details to come.

I received an email from one of the climbing party members. Looks like it was boulder that was the culprit. I hope to hear more about what happened when things settle down.

I was the climber on the other end of the rope. Just got done with a climb in upper bowling alley when from above and behind a 3 foot wide boulder just came tumbling down. complete freak accident. the boulder luckly only clipped the belayer because she grabbed the rope and swang out of the way. It ended up crushing her right leg with bad contusions to the left leg. luckly the boulder kept moving down the hill without her. we got RMR, which actually took about 40 minutes,and they got her down and brought her to the hospital for emergency surgery and Im glad to say she will be out of the hospital in a few days and on her way to a full recovery. Just want to get the facts straight so the daily camera doesnt have headlines that read "another climber falls in BC". Thanks to everyone who helped out with getting the situation under control. and to RMR for there full response.
PS the emergency call box down the canyon does not work.

Thanks for the account, Rich.

Speedy recovery to the injured climber!

--Marc

My friend Scott and I almost got plastered by a boulder at the Bowling Alley years ago. We luckily heard the rocks above and jumped out of the way just in time. One smashed into my pack where I had been sitting. It was big enough to kill someone for sure.

The crag is really unsafe after a good rain. So beware everyone next time you think about climbing there. It's name is very fitting.

Hope the girl heals up well. Best wishes.