Treating Hypothermia

I’m just snuggled up by my fireplace on a cold rainy day which is inspiring me to talk about the cold, specifically hypothermia.

 

Problems with the cold have been on my mind a lot lately. I did just return from working in Antarctica where it was quite cold. Since being back in California, it has been raining and snowing, a lot. We are being hit by the “atmospheric river,” and while these are relatively warm storms, it is still colder and damper than most people are used to – especially in sunny California. On top of that, I recently attended a lecture by the renowned cold physiology scientist, Dr. Giesbrecht aka Dr. Popsicle, on hypothermia and crevasse rescue[i].

 

All of this led me to write this article. Let’s talk about what’s going on physiologically when we get cold, discuss the decision process needed to determine when it is causing a problem, and the actions to take to prevent it from becoming something significant (AKA hypothermia).

 

So, first things first, cold will always be a problem when we are losing heat faster than we can replace it.

 

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TRIP REPORT: Treasure Peak

Climbing Treasure Peak’s Northwest Ridge was such a great half-day objective. The hiking was pleasant, the views spectacular, and the summit climb was engaging and fun.  We snuck this in during thunderstorm season, so we got a pre-dawn start.  But that wouldn’t be necessary if the weather is good. 

 

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TRIP REPORT: White Mountain to Boundary Peak

This was an ultralight overnight traverse from White Mountain and Boundary Peak in the White Mountains on the California/Nevada border.  It covers 30 miles. There’s 7 miles of trail on either end and 16 miles of cross country travel between each peak.  It was one of my favorite hikes of the season.  The traverse across this range was easier and more beautiful than I had anticipated.

Cowboy camping on White Mountain

Our bivvy spot for the night

I did the traverse in early June in a low snow year.  There were very few patches of snow.  The creek at our mid-point was running and provided our water resupply.

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TRIP REPORT: Hurd Peak

This is a little quick report on a backcountry scramble up Hurd Peak.

Trail Head:

The trail starts out of South Lake in Bishop CA.

Approach:

If you have ever been at south lake before Hurd Peak is likely the first mountain your eyes will be drawn to.  It poses a striking presence at the back end of South Lake and dominates a lot of the skyline from this vantage point.  The hike begins out of south lake proper.  You will eventually take a trail spur towards treasure lake.  Hurd peak is in view for much of this approach and when you decide to turn off cross country towards the peak is really individual preference.

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