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The three others climbing attended to those who fell, and then
returned to camp, the statement says. The fall occurred near
Denali Pass, at about 18,200 feet (5,547 meters). The climbers
returned to an area known as high camp around 17,000 feet (5,181
meters), the statement says. McKinley stands at about 20,310
feet (6,190 meters).
Park officials have been in contact with the three climbers,
said Scott Carr, a park service spokesperson. He said additional
information would be released “if and when it becomes
appropriate.”
Over the years, many climbing injuries and deaths have occurred
on the traverse between the high camp and Denali Pass, mainly
resulting from unprotected falls, according to the park.
Park rangers and mountain guides install and maintain snow
pickets — which are used to help build anchors for extra
protection on areas like steep slopes — between the high camp
and Denali Pass, the park says. Climbers are urged to have their
own pickets in case the protection placed by rangers and guides
is missing.
Weather conditions didn't improve the way rescuers had hoped.
Carr said late Thursday that conditions throughout the day had
been variable, with low cloud ceilings and limited visibility,
and that authorities were still awaiting an opportunity to
safely fly.
"Helicopter operations will start when a weather window opens
up,” he said.
A typical climbing season for Mount McKinley begins in late
April and continues into mid-July, according to the park. There
were 516 climbers on the mountain as of Thursday, Carr said by
email.
On Wednesday, two climbers as part of a separate incident were
evacuated from the mountain by helicopter around 11 p.m., but
the park service said it did not have additional information to
share.
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