Deaths on Mt Baldy
Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2016 9:01 am
I just read in the newspaper that Mt Baldy is closed due to two deaths in the last week. A slip on snow on Mt. Baldy is also where RJ Secor had is accident and where another CMC member died due to a fall years ago. I did Mt Baldy as one of my "county high points" years ago.
I see Mt. Baldy as an accident waiting to happen. Easy year-round access to a large population center with a demographic that has no experience with snow and a "climb" that basically is a hike (but with some steep gullies nearby) that just about anyone can get on. I grew up in snow country. Every kid over 3 years old knew how easily you could slip on snow. We played in snow hours each day and came to know its ability to change conditions in minutes. Becoming a climber in the PNW, we took snow seriously- every spring our mountaineering club had a 2-day "snow school" - even required as an "annual refresher" of experienced climbers if they wanted to go on a club trip. Most people have an inborn fear of steep rock; not so for snow which can be dangerous at much lower slopes. And I think those who grow up in areas without snow in their backyard have a disadvantage.
I just would like to encourage anyone here who wants to step onto snow in the Sierra, to get some training in snow climbing and learn how and when to use ice axe, crampons and rope. Many accidents happen to climbers who are properly equipped but fail to use it, for various reasons - such as such a bother to put on crampons to cross a small patch of snow. RJ had crampons tied to his pack when he slipped and fell on ice. And practice, practice and practice. This time of year, it also includes some training in avalanche safety.
Climb on! Be safe.
I see Mt. Baldy as an accident waiting to happen. Easy year-round access to a large population center with a demographic that has no experience with snow and a "climb" that basically is a hike (but with some steep gullies nearby) that just about anyone can get on. I grew up in snow country. Every kid over 3 years old knew how easily you could slip on snow. We played in snow hours each day and came to know its ability to change conditions in minutes. Becoming a climber in the PNW, we took snow seriously- every spring our mountaineering club had a 2-day "snow school" - even required as an "annual refresher" of experienced climbers if they wanted to go on a club trip. Most people have an inborn fear of steep rock; not so for snow which can be dangerous at much lower slopes. And I think those who grow up in areas without snow in their backyard have a disadvantage.
I just would like to encourage anyone here who wants to step onto snow in the Sierra, to get some training in snow climbing and learn how and when to use ice axe, crampons and rope. Many accidents happen to climbers who are properly equipped but fail to use it, for various reasons - such as such a bother to put on crampons to cross a small patch of snow. RJ had crampons tied to his pack when he slipped and fell on ice. And practice, practice and practice. This time of year, it also includes some training in avalanche safety.
Climb on! Be safe.