# Taped Webbing Fails in Moab Fall

> A climber survived a 55-foot fall after using bulk webbing with taped splices.
- Title: Taped Webbing Fails in Moab Fall · Climbing | Shortify
- Summary: A climber survived a 55-foot fall after using bulk webbing with taped splices. Kate survived a 55-foot fall in Moab after using 100 feet of 1.5-inch nylon…
- Keywords: taped webbing, moab, rappel, safety, climbing accident, webbing failure, bulk webbing, climbing partner, kate, lawrence, yosemite, canyoneering
- Source: Climbing — https://climbing.com/gear/this-type-of-taped-webbing-kills-why-dont-more-climbers-know-the-risk
- Author: Anna Keating
- Published: 2026-10-01T14:22:04+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: taped webbing, moab, rappel, safety, climbing accident, webbing failure, bulk webbing, climbing partner, kate, lawrence, yosemite, canyoneering
## Accident in Moab
Kate took a 55-foot fall in Moab, Utah, after using 100 feet of 1.5-inch nylon webbing.
## Climbers' Background
Kate and Lawrence are experienced climbers in trad, sport, and alpine climbing, both safety oriented.
## The Fall
Kate fell 55 feet after a taped splice failed during rappel descent in slot canyon.
## Webbing Failure
Taped webbing split during rappel, causing Kate to fall 55 feet into slot canyon.
## Taped Splices
Bulk webbing sold in spools often contains taped splices that are not visible to climbers.
## Store Knowledge
Gear shops in Moab did not inform Kate and Lawrence about taped splices on webbing.
## Past Accidents
A climber died in 2000 after using webbing with taped splices at Happy Hour Crag.
## 1974 Incident
David Markusen died in 1974 after using webbing with taped splices at Taylors Falls.
## Recall in 2016
Black Diamond recalled 209,000 units of webbing with taped splices in 2016.
## Current Risks
Sterling and Cypher still sell webbing with taped splices despite warnings from manufacturers.
## Kate's Recovery
Kate fractured two bones in her wrist and elbow, broke her foot, and damaged a ligament.
## Kate's Plans
Kate and Lawrence plan to return to climbing once she recovers from injuries.
## Safety Advice
Inspect webbing for tape or splices before use and ask store employees about taped sections.
## What Happens Next
Kate will be back climbing in months after surgery and recovery from injuries.
## Key takeaway

Kate survived a 55-foot fall in Moab after using 100 feet of 1.5-inch nylon webbing with taped splices that failed during rappel.