On May 29 at 5:30 pm, Ray Brook Dispatch requested New York State Forest Ranger assistance with a solo free climber stranded on the Trap Dike slide on 4,715-foot Mount Colden in the Adirondack High Peaks in the town of Keene, Essex County.
The Mount Colden Trap Dike is a rocky and very steep route designated a Class 4 climb in the guidebook Adirondack Rock, which means ropes are optional, but fall could result in injuries or death. A Binghamton University student died making the climb without a rope or helmet in 2011.
Class 5 climbs are considered technical rock climbs and require ropes and climbing gear. Climbers who attempt the Trap Dike should use a rope and helmet according to most experienced climbers and High Peaks stewards.
New York State Police Pilot Kotronis flew three Rangers to Avalanche Lake near the base of the climb. Rangers Mecus and Rooney proceed up to the 33-year-old from Pleasant Valley, Dutchess County, and gave him a man a helmet, placed him in a harness, built anchors, and lowered him approximately 150 feet into the dike.
The Rangers then lowered the subject down another 50 feet to a location where he could walk. The Lake Colden Caretaker provided boat transportation following the rescue. The rescue ended at about 11:30 pm.
Video of the rescue is available on DEC’s website.
Photo of climber rescue from Mount Colden Trap Dike slide provided by DEC.
Leave a Reply