If you are planning on doing any travel on glaciers anytime soon, let this video serve as a warning to only do so if you’re prepared with both the proper gear and the proper training.
Glaciers are dangerous, filled with crevasses, avalanches, and cliffs. If you or your partner falls into a crevasse and you don’t have the proper gear or training, it can easily be deadly. Manny Pacheco and Daton Nestlebush were traveling on the Squak Glacier on on Mt. Baker when Daton punched through a weak snow bridge. Fortunately he was able to catch himself with his arms before falling into the 50-60 foot crevasse below.
Thanks to Pacheco’s gear and training, he was able to rig up a crevasse rescue system and haul Daton out. If he had not participated in crevasse rescue courses and actively worked on refreshing his skills, this story would have ended in a much worse manner.
Walking on a glacier alone is never recommended. Instead make sure you travel in a team with experienced glacier travelers and the proper gear. Bring ice axes, ropes, crampons, crevasse probes, and all other necessary gear. Take glacial travel courses and crevasse rescue courses before traveling on a glacier.
