Novice climber defies odds after 1,500-foot plunge on Mount Shasta
A 31-year-old novice climber survived a 1,500-foot fall on Mount Shasta's Avalanche Gulch route, tumbling from about 13,000 to 11,500 feet. Rescue teams from the US Forest Service and CHP battled low cloud cover to reach her; she was conscious with a suspected broken ankle and other injuries, then lowered to Lake Helen and airlifted to Mercy Medical Center Mount Shasta. The incident highlights the mountain's rapidly changing conditions and the importance of proper gear, experienced partners, and a solid emergency plan for climbers.