I summited Mt Baden-Powell solo on Tues, Jan 22, at around 10 AM. These photos were taken on my ascent, including recent tracks in the snow made by a black bear and her cub. I never completed this hike. After around 1 mile on my descent, I slipped and fell down a steep icy slope, slamming hard into a couple of trees before stopping, causing multiple broken ribs and a flail chest. I managed to crawl to a clearing near the trail but I could not breathe well or move without pain. I was the only hiker on that mountain that day and as time went on I did not expect to see another hiker on a Tues afternoon. It was a clear sunny day but with cold temps. The water in my hydration pack’s bite valve froze between sips. I also lost one cramponed shoe in the fall.
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There was virtually no cell phone coverage, neither in the parking lot nor during the entire hike; but by sheer luck, after a long time, my cellphone picked up a signal, and after many unsuccessful attempts I managed to get thru to 911 and the local first responders. I could barely talk on my emergency call attempts due to my collapsed lung. Blowing my whistle was painful, if futile. I was at over 8,000 ft elevation in the ice and snow for over 2 hrs before the LA County Air Rescue chopper appeared and airlifted me off the mountain. I owe my life to these guys – the Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) High-Risk Tactical/Rescue Team of the LA County Sheriff Dept. Here is as link to my recuse, from their twitter feed (@SEBLASD): https://twitter.com/SEBLASD/status/1087860220997525504.
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I arrived at Pomona Valley Hospital with broken ribs all on my left side, collapsed left lung with pneumothorax and hemothorax, and hypothermia (core temp was 94°F). Rib #4 was poking thru my lung with every breath. A chest tube was jammed into my left side, causing agonizing pain. Trauma surgeons put plates on the broken ribs, and 2 chest tubes were placed to drain the blood and fluids and to facilitate the re-expansion of my lung. I spent 5 days in the ICU.
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I’m an experienced hiker and have the proper gear, but the lessons learned can never be emphasized enough: never hike alone on a less traveled trail, especially in snow and ice. Everyone
should also invest in a satellite phone with an emergency beacon for the more remote and less-traveled trails.
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Also, anyone attempting to hike on such trails should sign up for a mountaineering course, including proper use of crampons and an ice axe; YouTube videos are NOT a substitute for proper training.
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Additional hiking safety tips:
- Hike with a friend or family member.
- Take plenty of drinking water and extra food.
- Share hiking plans and location with someone back home.
- Take a mobile phone for emergencies. Consider investing in a satellite phone with an emergency beacon
- Don’t walk off-trail.
- Carry a map and compass and know how to use them.
- Pack a pocket knife, whistle, first-aid kit, fire-starting supplies in a water-proof container and a headlamp in case the hike takes longer than planned.
- Assume the weather will change — bring sun protection, rain gear and extra layers for sudden cold.
My recovery will be slow, but I will hike again, and be more wiser for the experience.
Responses
Man, this is awful. I am so sorry that you went through this accident. Thank goodness you got out safe. I wish you a speedy recovery.
@jmegraw – I’m glad you were able to reach 911! How is your recovery going?
What a sobering reminder of the dangers in the mountains, particularly in snow and ice. Thanks for sharing.
Hi. I hiked Baden Powell Thanksgiving day 11/24/22. The trail was pretty well covered in snow. I started the hike rather late 1:30pm. I rushed on the trail and left behind my shoe spikes in my trunk. I regretted it the entire time going up the mountain. I was really concerned about the descent. The trail was icy once I switched backed to 9000ft. The conditions at that elevation was very windy and cold. At that point I made the decision to head back down. after I lost my footing several times. I agree with the written account above. Luckily I avoided serious and came away with only bruises. Have fun, take the necessary gear, and follow the socialhiker tips.
I’m happy to hear you made it out safe. Praying for a speedy recovery.
Thank you @hhocter, @nature-gal and @jeff! My recovery is going very well; I am taking daily walks and feel stronger with each day. I will be able to eventually hike again, albeit cautiously, and after the ice and snow has melted away! Completing the #sixpackofpeaks is a lofty goal at this point, but a goal nonethless. Thank you again for your support and encouragement!
I hope many people read your cautionary tale. I hope you made a complete recovery. I hike in all seasons and have my Sketch-O-Meter set high in winter and esp when solo. I am highly winter skilled and know when the mtn does not want me there. I have run into peak blindness people and it is not good in any condition but treacherous in heavy winter conditions.
I did a solo winter hike up Marion on San Jac a year ago. 1.9 mi up was a narrow traverse along a not huge but enough to maybe break something runout. I only had my spikes but even if I had my crampons and ice axe still would have turned back.
I decided to do burned out Suicide Rock trail as it was the only trail on Jac I had not done. 2 ladies offered a pic – my first time there, so I said sure. Behind me clearly visible was the treacherous Tahquitz spur to the fire lookout.
Two hours later, a New Yorker fell to his death on that spur. The most senior SAR guy could not get purchase on the slope from the chopper, and his crampon impaled his other leg.
Ice and snow are real and demand respect.
Have hiked this trail many times in snow and sun. Always in pairs. Always with. Garmin InReach with SOS ($30/mo). Always have an emergency tarp, headlight and glove warmer pads for snow hikes. Sorry to hear of your troubles and glad you made it out. Honestly, a snow hike on your own without a GPS device? What were you thinking?