A 31-year-old woman is recovering after surviving a remarkable 1,500-foot fall while climbing Mount Shasta on Sunday. The accident happened in steep, icy, and rocky terrain at an elevation of approximately 13,000 feet. According to the U.S. Forest Service, climbing rangers and a California Highway Patrol helicopter responded after receiving a report of the fall around noon. Officials say the woman was climbing with a group of three novice mountaineers when she slipped and fell nearly straight down the mountainside. Despite the incredible distance, she slid through snow for much of the descent before eventually coming to rest on the mountain. Rescuers reached her and airlifted her to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities say she suffered a possible broken ankle along with other injuries but remained conscious and in good spirits throughout the rescue. Officials credited the snow-covered slope with helping slow her fall and likely saving her life.
