County Search and Rescue urges recreators to use caution
Organization offers safety tips as weather turns colder
Inyo County Search and Rescue issued a reminder Tuesday that while there isn’t much fresh snow on the ground (yet) in the Eastern Sierra, it has gotten quite chilly lately, which could make outings into the backcountry challenging during the weather transition.
The organization, which operates under the auspices of the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, offered a few safety tips “for setting out on that burn-off-Thanksgivingdinner hike.”
• Do not try to cross any snow or ice with micro spikes! The old snow from last year has solidified and is now almost as hard as the rocks underneath it, and a lot of water bodies are freezing, making for some slippery creek crossings.
• You will need crampons, ice axe and solid mountaineering skills – or better yet, try to avoid those slippery slopes altogether.
• Can’t find a safe way at all? It might be time to turn around – the mountains are still going to be there when it gets warm next summer.
• Keep your eyes peeled – in a few places there is a dusting of fresh snow that has concealed those treacherous spots.
• Pro tip: Bring LOTS of warm clothing and always have a headlamp with spare batteries on you. The days are short and you might find yourself hiking out in the dark.
Inyo SAR is an all-volunteer and unpaid, professional non-profit 501(c)3 organization in cooperation with and under the authority of the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office.
The agency notes that providing search and rescue services to Inyo County and its visitors is only possible thanks to donations, which can be made at Inyosar.com/ donate.