Rock-climbing Accident Comprehension Quiz

True or false: The writer encounters a drop-off that is eleven or twelve feet high, a foot higher and of a different geometry than the overhang he descended ten minutes ago.

True or false: The slot narrows to a consistent three feet across at the lip of the drop-off and continues at that width for fifty feet down the canyon.

True or false: The technique of stemming or chimneying involves pushing out in opposite directions against the walls with hands, feet, and back.

True or false: Just below the ledge where the writer is standing is a chockstone the size of a large bus tire, stuck fast in the channel between the walls.

True or false: If the writer can step onto the chockstone, he will have a nine-foot height to descend, less than that of the first overhang.

Sometimes in narrow passages like this one, it’s possible for me to stem my body across the ______, with my feet and back pushing out in opposite directions against the walls.

Controlling this counterpressure by switching my hands and feet on the opposing walls, I can move up or down the ______ crevice fairly easily as long as the friction contact stays solid between the walls and my hands, feet, and back.

Just below the ledge where I’m standing is a ______ the size of a large bus tire, stuck fast in the channel between the walls, a few feet out from the lip.

If I can step onto it, then I’ll have a nine-foot height to descend, less than that of the first ______.

Instead of the walls widening after the drop-off, or opening into a bowl at the bottom of the canyon, here the ______ narrows to a consistent three feet across at the lip of the drop-off and continues at that width for fifty feet down the canyon.