Hiker Lost Near The Tram

[jspeigl]

Rough draft 2:

WARNING
Extreme Winter Conditions

From winter to early summer, snow and ice will cover the upper portions of this route, creating dangerous slick slopes with high potential for injury or death. THIS ICE CAN KILL YOU. Hikers must be prepared for these conditions. At a minimum:

• Possess winter mountaineering skills including ice ax and crampon use
• Carry extra layers of clothing
• Be able to survive through a night, in sub-freezing weather, during a snowstorm

[DaveD]

Jim, we all thank your team for all the heroic work you guys do high on the mountain and usually in the dark. Truly amazing. The two guys I think you rescued were hell bent on going up as high as they could even with all the warning of deep snow on top of ice in the chutes. I said it would be extremely irresponsible to go up without at least crampons and ice ax. I don't believe a sign has been made to stop some of these barneys egos from going where their bodies can't follow.

[jspeigl]

Like Fight On said, if it stops one accident in 5 years, then it is worth it.

[DaveD]

Absolutely, I too would contribute money for this sign and offer to help install it.

[Perry]

That is such a coincidence that you guys are discussing a sign. I actually discussed this with a couple people before checking the board today. I think the key is having a photo of someone on Skyline with their ice axe and crampons clearly visible. Someone suggested having a photo of a thermometer in palm springs side-by-side with the mountaineering photo. I think 100F would be stretching the truth as far as what usually happens. 80 or 90F would be a more realistic daytime temperature with consolidated snow or ice in the evening. On a 100F day you'll likely be post-holing in slush which is a pain, but you probably won't die. I think it's better to scare people with real info than exaggerated info, and photo is more believable than strong opinions.

Photos anyone?

[Jim Bakos]

I like Perry's photo idea. It speaks all languages…

My neighbor is PS Posse SAR, I'll ask him about the original sign (yeah, two SAR guys living next door to one another)

Thank you all for your kind words. And thank you for all your help too. In this business we try to practice something called PSAR (Preventive Search and Rescue). I think some new warnings for Skyline will go a long way in saving lives.

Hike Safe!

--Jim

[hikehigh]

I think something like this sign would make an impact:

[jspeigl]

The yellow pages has some companies that make signs. Tomorrow I can call a few and see about options and prices.

I like the photo idea also. I think people will respond to real photos rather than just words. Photos make it real. The mountaineering photo should convey some real nasty stuff, like snow blowing sideways.

Any other suggestions?

[jspeigl]

Hikehigh,

I like the picture but it almost looks comical, like something for the tourists to laugh at and take pictures of.

[halhiker]

I think it'd be a good idea to talk to someone with the PS Mounted Police or someone like that before just making a sign and putting it on the hill.

I also think EXTREME WINTER CONDITIONS might be a bit too glaring especially if posted on the lower reaches where the temps might be 90º. The sign should be made to compliment the existing sign but with winter information.

Locally, I've had signs made at Tops and Barricades and they've done a good job.