Death on the Dome: Epidemiology of Recreational Deaths on Half Dome in Yosemite National Park

Richardson, Gregory D.; Spano, Susanne

doi:10.1016/j.wem.2018.04.001

Cited by 7 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Compared to a nationwide mortality of 6.2 deaths per year in Austria, the data from Yosemite show a total number of deaths of n = 12 in a 10-year timeframe for a single summit [2]. The differentiation of causes leading to death in the history of the summit revealed that 10 of 31 traceable deaths were related to hiking (n = 5) and cable handrails (n = 5) [1].…”

Section: Emergencies Leading To Deathmentioning

confidence: 90%

“…Until now, peer-reviewed literature reporting on via ferrata accidents, injury patterns and mechanisms, as well as outcome, has been scarce. To our knowledge, only two studies from Yosemite National Park, CA, have been published to date [1,2]. Both concentrated on Half Dome, a summit reached by a 23 km to 26 km roundtrip hike followed by the final 146 m, which is equipped with cable handrails.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Mortality in Via Ferrata Emergencies in Austria from 2008 to 2018

Ströhle

Haselbacher

Rugg

et al. 2019

IJERPH

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Although the European Alps now have more than 1000 via ferratas, limited data exist on the actual incidence of fatal events in via ferratas and their causes. This retrospective study analysed data from a registry maintained by the Austrian Alpine Safety Board (n = 161,855, per 11 all persons involved in a via ferrata-related emergency were included (n = 1684), of which 64% were male. Most emergencies were caused by blockage due to exhaustion and/or misjudgement of the climber's own abilities. Consequently, more than half of all victims were evacuated uninjured. Only 62 (3.7%) via ferrata-related deaths occurred. Falling while climbing unsecured was the most common cause of death, and males had a 2.5-fold higher risk of dying in a via ferrata accident. The mortality rate was highest in technically easy-to-climb sections (Grade A, 13.2%/B, 4.9%), whereas the need to be rescued uninjured was highest in difficult routes (Grade D, 59.9%/E, 62.7%). Although accidents in via ferratas are common and require significant rescue resources, fatal accidents are rare. The correct use of appropriate equipment in technically easy-to-climb routes can prevent the majority of these fatalities.

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Section: Emergencies Leading To Deathmentioning

confidence: 90%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mortality in Via Ferrata Emergencies in Austria from 2008 to 2018

Ströhle

Haselbacher

Rugg

et al. 2019

IJERPH

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“…5 Thirty-two fatalities have occurred on Half Dome over the last 85 y, including a fall from the cables in May 2018; however, less than 20% of these have been related to activity on the cable handrails. 5 Hikers asked to analyze photographs of the cable route perceived an increased risk when the number of people at one time (PAOT) on the cable handrails exceeded 70 persons. 6 Consulting reports have demonstrated significant decreases in PAOT on the cable handrails, subdome, and Half Dome summit after permitting.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of a Half Dome Cable Permitting Process on Search and Rescue Activity, Hiker Mortality Rates, and Operational Costs Above Little Yosemite Valley

Spano

Seymer

Crane

et al. 2019

Wilderness & Environmental Medicine

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Introduction The summit of Yosemite's Half Dome is reached using cable handrails for the final 146 m (480 ft). Access to these cables was restricted to users with permits in 2010. The authors aim to describe the impact of permitting on search and rescue (SAR) in the region of the park most affected by permitting. Methods An observational study from 2005 to 2009 and 2011 to 2015 comparing the number of incidents, major incidents (exceeding $500), victims, and fatalities before and after permitting the use of cable handrails on Half Dome in the area above Little Yosemite Valley (LYV) and parkwide. Each year was analyzed separately with t tests and Mann-Whitney U tests. Data are presented as mean±SD. Result The number of hikers in the study area was reduced by up to 66% by permitting. Above LYV from 2005 to 2009, there were 85 SAR incidents, 134 victims, 8 fatalities, 38 major incidents, and annual SAR costs of $44,582±28,972. From 2011 to 2015, the same area saw 54 SAR incidents, 156 victims, 4 fatalities, 35 major incidents, and annual SAR costs of $27,027±19,586. No parameter showed statistical significance. Parkwide SAR incidents decreased from 232 to 198 annual incidents ( P=0.013) during the same time period, with parkwide mortality increasing from 8 to 12 deaths annually ( P=0.045). Conclusions SAR incidents, victims, fatalities, or costs above LYV did not decrease after cable handrail permitting. Parkwide SAR activity decreased during the same intervals. This strongly suggests that overcrowding is not the key factor influencing safety on Half Dome. This discordant trend warrants close observation over 5 to 10 y.

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“…On Mt Cook (3724 m, NZ), 1.87 deaths per 1000 exposure days were reported [64]. Eleven deaths were found during traditional climbing on Half Dome (2694 m, US) over a period of 85 years [65]. Thirteen fatalities were recorded in 3.5 years in the Yosemite National Park (<4000 m, US) and 6% of the rock climbing injuries registered at the local medical clinic or rescue team were fatal [63].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mortality in Different Mountain Sports Activities Primarily Practiced in the Summer Season—A Narrative Review

Gatterer

Niedermeier

Pocecco

et al. 2019

IJERPH

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Millions of people engage in mountain sports activities worldwide. Although leisure-time physical activity is associated with significant health benefits, mountain sports activities also bear an inherent risk for injury and death. However, death risk may vary across various types of mountain sports activities. Epidemiological data represent an important basis for the development of preventive measures. Therefore, the aim of this review is to compare mortality rates and potential risk factors across different (summer) mountain sports activities. A comprehensive literature search was performed on the death risk (mortality) in mountain sports, primarily practiced during the summer season, i.e., mountain hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, trekking, rock, ice and high-altitude climbing. It was found that the death risk varies considerably between different summer mountain sports. Mortality during hiking, trekking and biking in the mountains was lower compared to that during paragliding, or during rock, ice or high-altitude climbing. Traumatic deaths were more common in activities primarily performed by young adults, whereas the number of deaths resulting from cardiovascular diseases was higher in activities preferred by the elderly such as hiking and trekking. Preventive efforts must consider the diversity of mountain sports activities including differences in risk factors and practitioners and may more particularly focus on high-risk activities and high-risk individuals.

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Death on the Dome: Epidemiology of Recreational Deaths on Half Dome in Yosemite National Park

Abstract: We identified 31 Half Dome deaths over 85 y. A minority were attributable to unfavorable weather or unskilled hiking participants. Climber registration could provide dependable denominators for accident incidence statistics. A renewed focus on suicide prevention is warranted.

Cited by 7 publications

References 6 publications

Mortality in Via Ferrata Emergencies in Austria from 2008 to 2018

Mortality in Via Ferrata Emergencies in Austria from 2008 to 2018

Impact of a Half Dome Cable Permitting Process on Search and Rescue Activity, Hiker Mortality Rates, and Operational Costs Above Little Yosemite Valley

Mortality in Different Mountain Sports Activities Primarily Practiced in the Summer Season—A Narrative Review

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