TO A climber died on Mount Whitney after continuing a winter climb alone when his partner returned, Inyo County Search and Rescue (SAR) confirmed regarding an incident reported on Monday, January 19.
According to the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, the two hikers began their ascent Saturday night around 11:30 p.m. and hiked throughout the night into Sunday. By 3:30 pm on Sunday, after approximately 16 hours of effort, the pair had reached an altitude of 12,500 feet. At that point, a hiker decided it was safer to descend. The second hiker, however, decided to continue alone toward the summit.
When the solo climber did not return Monday morning, his partner contacted authorities.
Mount Whitney (seen here from Guitar Lake) is the tallest mountain in the US. Photo via @k80.trail
The search and rescue mission
A team of six rescuers gathered in Lone Pine to coordinate a search operation. They were helped by the helicopter of the Inland Division of the California Highway Patrol, which arrived shortly before 2:00 p.m.
An aerial search located the missing hiker on the north face of the mountain, specifically below the «Final 400» section of the Mountaineers’ Route, a steep slide leading to the summit. It was confirmed that the hiker died at the scene. A second rescuer arrived by plane to assist with the recovery.
The hiker’s name has not yet been released.
Cold, exhaustion, physical fatigue, and altitude can affect your ability and clarity to make decisions. Walking with a partner can help mitigate some of these risks. Photo via @k80.trail
Mountaineering, not hiking
In a statement following the recovery, Inyo County SAR issued a strong warning about the dangers of high-altitude winter travel, citing this tragedy along with other recent deaths on Mount Whitney and Mount Baldy.
«Winter ascents are serious mountaineering activities, not hiking,» the organization stated. «Winter conditions leave little room for error and the consequences can be serious.»
Officials emphasized two critical factors in the accident: group separation and fatigue.
«Many deaths occur when people travel alone or when groups become separated. If someone in your group expresses concerns about safety, those concerns should be taken seriously,» the statement read. «Fatigue is also a critical contributing factor. Prolonged periods of exertion negatively impact decision-making and increase the likelihood of missteps and falls. Knowing when to turn around can save lives.»
Inyo SAR is a completely voluntary and non-profit organization. You can learn more or donate here.
Mount Whitney has seen many deaths and rescues over the past year, most of them in winter conditions. Photo via @k80.trail
A final note
We share this report to help educate the hiking community and learn as a group from this tragedy. Please remember that there is a grieving family who may be reading the comments written here. We ask that you keep the conversation supportive, friendly and productive.
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