News Flash

South Howser Rockfall

In mid-August, the South Howser Tower suffered a massive rockfall next to The Beckey/Chouinard. Although no one was injured, the collapse was a reminder that alpine peaks are constantly crumbling away.

Sean McColl Olympics

Sean McColl finished tenth overall at the world championships in August and secured his position on the Canadian Olympic Team heading to Tokyo in 2020. Tomoa Narasaki and Janja Garnbret won gold at the 2019 world championships.

Garnbret is also this year’s world cham- pion in bouldering and lead climbing.

New Everest Rules

Nepali officials proposed new safety rules that will reduce the number of permits issued for the world’s highest peak. For example, would-be Everest climbers have to prove they’ve climbed a peak over 6,000 metres.

Squamish Rescues

There were more rock climbing rescues this year than ever before. Tragically, a few climbers lost their lives while climbing on The Chief.

New Yosemite Routes

On July 31, Jason Torlano and Josh Helling put up the West Buttress Direct on Dewey Point. They rated their new six-pitch line 5.10a A2. While climbing the route, the team spied a parallel line on a nearby buttress, but since Helling was unavailable, Torlano returned on Aug. 7 with partner Mike Poisson to establish Dewey Point Direct, a nine-pitch route rated 5.10cA1.

Dexter Sends Shining

Dexter Bateman sent The Shining 5.13+ on Mount Louis in August. It took him over 10 trips over a few years to piece the 15-pitch route together.