Typically, a climbing incident – whether it involves a fall or getting stranded – is due to climber error, but sometimes gear can malfunction, too.
While gear malfunctions are generally considered to be rare provided the gear is from a reputable company and is being used properly, a climber got stuck in a sticky situation last week when an equipment malfunction left them unable to ascend or descend from their position on 6,555-foot North Table Mountain, just north of Golden.
After a call for help was received, Arvada Fire and Golden Fire Rescue responded, completing a technical rescue with a rope system. The climber was ultimately lowered to awaiting personnel without injury…