A South Korean climber who was swept by an avalanche down the granitic flanks of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is recovering from his ordeal, which left him with a broken femur.

The 38-year-old climber, Jun Ho Wang, was hit by the wall of snow shortly before 4:30 p.m. Monday. He was with six others at the time. While two of the other climbers managed to make their way down to their colleague and keep him warm through the night, the other four retreated to the valley floor.

Rescuers made contact with the victim Monday evening, but continued avalanche activity in the area made it unsafe for rangers to attempt a rescue.

About 8:30 a.m. Tuesday the mountaineer was rescued when a California Highway Patrol helicopter successfully lowered park medics to the man, who was then raised to the helicopter and transported to a waiting ambulance. His condition was assessed by medical personnel in Yosemite Valley and he has been transferred by helicopter to a Central Valley hospital for treatment.

Park officials say recent snow and ice have resulted in active avalanche conditions throughout the Sierra range.