Posted on 01/03/2014 12:05:48 PM PST by don-o
I’m inclined to agree with you whole heartedly. Forgive me if my previous post at it’s core contradicts this one. I carried up to 80 pounds which was back breaking work, for any and all contingencies. I also went as light as possible, sacrificing safety for less weight. I was never comfortable in such a posture, and regretted the decision almost immediately.
Some of the rescue communication devices offer an insurance plan for a nominal fee, intended to offset the rescue cost owed to the individual. I carried one of these devices, which acted as a constant reminder to weigh the outcome of my decisions so that I would not have to hit the rescue button.
I’ve had the trail disappear before my very eyes due to snow coverage, and I’ve lost the trail at 11,000’, requiring me to build an emergency shelter out of materials at hand, due to a bad decision to hike lightweight up Mt Whitney (14,508’) leaving my tent and sleeping bag behind.
The subject hikers were not in a life or death situation, as I understand the facts. They might have earned some slack if they were. Not sure how they made contact with their rescuers.
People think the southern Appalachians have mild winters like the surrounding areas, then go up utterly unprepared quite frequently. You’d be shocked at the annual snowfall totals atop some of the higher peaks, Alpine plant species grow up there.
Very true. I learned the hard way also. Don’t wear a light jacket North of Asheville, not matter if the temp is 60 degrees in the winter. We went to the Nantahala River Gorge in February many years ago. It was 60 here in the upstate. Reached our destination it was 30, not counting the wind chill. Four feet long ice hanging from the springs that flow from the mountain tops.
It's possible to climb this peak year round, however, be prepared for changing weather conditions as snow storms have been known to occur during all months of the year. Temperatures on this peak have been measured as low as -34°F and never above 81°F. Average annual snowfall is 104 inches and winds often reach 100+ mph on the West Face. The fair weather climbing season generally lasts from May to October while those hiking during the winter shouldn't be surprised to find themselves in 2+ feet of snow.
OK- Lesson number one! Read the damn article before commenting. My bad. WHERE IN THE HELL WAS YOUR TENT?
I hunkered down in a 3 season tent for 36 hours as I waited out a snow storm in mid October, at almost 10,000’ in the sierras, by myself, and when the sky cleared, I got the hell off the mountain! I hiked 15 miles back to a USFS campground, sleeping in a pit toilet for the shelter it provided. Then I walked 12 miles downhill, catching a ride into town, thus avoiding walking the last 10 miles into town. It’s a big ol’ scary world out there.
Nantahala is Cherokee, it means “land of the noonday sun.” Once cold sets in there it stays much longer. The river is very cold any time of year, I used to take noob Floridians on their first whitewater rafting trips there.
Source says they were indeed facing death, if being unable to move presages death in zero degree chill. Article also says they made contact via their cell phone.
Do you have any additional info on what, if anything, they were thinking?
30-some years ago wife and I went backpacking in Jemez Mountains of New Mexico around April. Had a 9-month little girl, so only went in a couple of miles, but the trail went down a steep switchback canyon wall.
Woke up next morning to about six inches of unexpected show. Hiked out 12 miles down the canyon to Park Headquarters. No problemo.
Bunch of cars and trucks and people in the lot. Went over to see what was going on. Getting ready to go rescue a couple with baby trapped in the mountains...
Turned out the friend we left notice of where we were going and when we’d be back panicked. We were never in the least danger and I had equipment along we would have been just fine in much worse conditions.
Show = snow.
OK- ya’ gots to do, what ya’ gots to do. I’m very close to hiking the PCT (right now) or landing some work in Alaska, or Canada. I guarantee that I will be prepared either way. Note to self: it’s January.
I guess the big debate is whether the hikers should be charged for their rescue due to their plight, owing to their planning, or lack there of, and their decisions, good or bad.
The mother told our co-workers her son called her late yesterday (Thursday) and told her they were lost, their clothes were wet and they were freezing. The mother told them to take off the wet clothes and build a makeshift shelter to protect them from the wind until help arrived. They told her they were not going to remove their clothes. (3 macho wannabes) I don’t understand why the guy called his mother instead of calling for help from the park service first. The mother never missed a minute from work and she was more calm than I would have been if it were my son. Actually, I think it was her step-son, but from what I understand, she pretty much raised him. Must be something in our upstate water supply. LOL
Dad used to take us there as kids and you are right. That water would turn your skin blue in the middle of summer.
I gotta say, on the AT this time of year, don’t you kind of have to plan for “unexpected” snow? These hikers had no business up there if they didn’t have the proper gear and a plan for contingencies. Note to others: getting lost on the AT is normally next to impossible, but the white AT trail blazes tend to become invisible in the snow.
Their clothes were WET? That is simply inexcusable. If you don’t know how to stay dry in the wilderness, you have no business being out there. Yes, they’re lucky to be alive. I’ve had hypothermia in the Smokies on a sunny, warm day. It’s no joke.
so right in putting that in quotes. Anywhere on the AT, from Georgia to Maine, pretty sure there is always a possibility of snow in January. gotta be expected :)
Which immediately made me think of Colorado.
Asheville paper said 21 - 30 age range.
Let’s go for a hike in a snow storm....................
DUUUUGH....
Got to be prepared for freak weather any time of year hiking in the Smokies. On a hike from Deep Creek in the Smokies up to Clingman’s Dome some 20 years ago, in the middle of August, I got caught in a freak thunderstorm that came out of nowhere. Forecast for the day had been clear with 0% of precip, temps at 6K elevation 68 degrees.
We were maybe a mile down from the summit and the storm blew in, hail, 50 mph winds and the temp dropped 30 degrees in 30 minutes. Soaking wet, crawling through laurel tunnels, it was bone chilling cold. Could have gotten ugly if it happened close to sundown.
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