Risk Management Corner: February

The Patterns Are Consistent — and Preventable

As we head into the new year, the CMC Risk Management team has completed its review of incident reports on record through December 2025. We want to share a few high-level observations that should be on every trip leader's radar. The good news is that most of the incidents captured in this review follow recognizable patterns. That means they're largely preventable with the right preparation and in-the-moment awareness.

Analysis shared from Colorado Mountain Club's Risk Management Working Group 

Descents remain the highest-risk phase of any trip. More incidents happen on the way down than on the way up. Tired legs, loose footing, and a psychological tendency to rush when the summit is behind you all contribute. Trip leaders should plan explicitly for descent — including pace, group spacing, and encouraging pole use — rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Footwear and footing are where most falls begin. Falls on rock and loose dirt are the leading cause of injury. This starts at screening: communicate required footwear clearly before the trip, and don't hesitate to have a conversation at the trailhead if someone shows up in inappropriate shoes.

Matching participants to terrain is non-negotiable. Mismatches between participant ability and trip difficulty continue to surface in incident data. A thorough pre-trip screening process — asking about fitness, recent hiking experience, and any physical limitations — is one of the most effective risk mitigation tools a trip leader has.

Exhaustion sneaks up on people. Fatigue, dehydration, and poor nutrition create a cascade of risk: slower reaction times, poor foot placement, and reduced judgment. Build breaks into your schedule, monitor how your group is doing, and set a pace that keeps the whole team together and functional.

Helmets matter in scrambling terrain. If your route includes scrambling or exposed rock, helmets should be mandatory — not optional. Make this expectation clear during pre-trip communication.

Top Takeaways

1. Most incidents occur during descent - plan pace, spacing, and use of poles.
2. Falls on rock and loose dirt are the leading cause - ensure proper footwear and
   careful footing.
3. Match participant ability and experience to the trip's difficulty.
4. Prevent exhaustion: schedule breaks, monitor hydration/nutrition, pace
   appropriately.
5. Use helmets on scrambling or exposed rock terrain.
6. Carry robust first-aid supplies and communication tools; know evacuation routes.

Trip Leader Checklist
Before the Trip

• Screen participants for fitness, experience, and any limiting conditions.
• Communicate required gear (footwear, layers, traction, poles).
• Review route hazards: rock, loose dirt, snow/ice, scrambling sections.

At the Trailhead

• Conduct a route and risk briefing; identify tricky descent sections.
• Establish group management plan: leader/sweep, spacing, check-ins.
• Review communication and evacuation plan.

During the Trip

• Monitor pace, fatigue, hydration, and group cohesion.
• Enforce spacing in steep or technical terrain.
• Encourage use of poles and careful foot placement on descent.
• Watch for early signs of altitude illness or exhaustion.

If an Incident Occurs

• Ensure scene safety; stop further movement.
• Provide first aid appropriate to injury.
• Decide early if evacuation/EMS is needed.
• Document the incident clearly after the trip.

The Risk Management Committee is comprised of CMC volunteers with representation from the following groups: Jim Guerra (Denver), Graham Ottley (Staff), Keith Stinebaugh (Boulder), Mike Cromwell (Pikes Peak), Jacqueline Hooper (El Pueblo), Anita Wright & Eric Koop  (Northern Colorado), Lisa Paige (Roaring Fork), Kevin Schall (Denver), Steve Thompson (Gore Range), Anne Keil/Doug Hemken (Western Slope)