Hiker Dies on Mt. Whitney Early in Snow Season
The first snowfall of the season has resulted in a tragic incident on Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. A hiker lost their life in the treacherous “99 Switchbacks” section of the mountain, as confirmed by the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department.
Incident Overview
The hiker fell over the weekend while navigating the infamous switchbacks, which start just above Trail Camp at approximately 12,000 feet. This section, a challenging two-mile route with nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain, can turn perilous when covered in snow.
Challenges on Mt. Whitney
Conditions on Mt. Whitney can change rapidly with snowfall. Wes Ostgaard, an experienced climber, reported extreme winds and snow that obscured the trail. This visibility issue made it difficult to navigate safely, prompting Ostgaard and his group to abandon their attempt to reach the summit.
Grim Discovery
During their descent, Ostgaard and his companions stumbled upon the fallen hiker, who had slid approximately 70 feet after falling above a section of steel safety cables. The scene was alarming, revealing serious injuries indicative of a fatal accident.
Safety Precautions Required
Another climber that day, Kirill Novitskiy, faced similar conditions yet chose to continue his ascent with inadequate winter gear. Equipped only with microspikes designed for light traction, he soon realized the dangers posed by the snow-covered trail. Upon his return, he reported encountering excessive powdery snow, which increased the risk of slipping.
Advice for Winter Climbers
Experts recommend that anyone attempting to climb Mt. Whitney during the winter months should be adequately prepared. Essential gear includes:
- Crampons for traction on ice and hard-packed snow
- An ice axe for stability and safety
- A satellite communication device for emergencies
Traveling in groups is also advised to enhance safety.
Previous Incidents
This is not the first tragic event on Mt. Whitney. Earlier this year, a hiker from Texas attempted the climb in similar adverse weather conditions and perished. In another incident in June, a 14-year-old hiker survived a fall from a 12,000-foot cliff after becoming disoriented.
As winter approaches, climbers are urged to exercise caution and respect the mountain’s unpredictable nature. The identity of the hiker who lost their life remains undisclosed, as the sheriff’s department continues its investigation.
