I saw that about digging with their hands. It may seem like overkill, but if there is snow on the ground, I have a shovel with me. The one time I didn't, the snow was about 6" deep and I was dayhiking at Frazier Park (SoCal) with a bunch of friends. Otherwise, along it goes. If nothing else, I can sit on it when I stop to make a cup of tea with the stove I always carry.

Hard to be sure, but carrying something as simple as a shovel, a couple of blue pads and some warm clothes might have saved this guy. All of that would fit into a medium sized day pack. A GPS or map and compass might have gotten them closer to the shelter as well.

I know, easy to second guess them, but look at the consequences. Rainier looks like a really big mountain to me; something I think I would take seriously, even on a nice day.


Edited by TomD (01/14/11 02:43 AM)
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