An Unexpected Storm
David Steinberg, a 70 year old seasoned backpacker with 40 years of experience from Portland, OR embarked on a 50-mile solo backpacking trip in the Toiyabe National Forest, just north of Yosemite. His journey took him through a rugged and remote area, across Dorothy Pass, and along stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). As an experienced outdoorsman, Steinberg had faced challenging weather conditions before. However, this adventure presented him with a unique and potentially life-threatening scenario that put his skills, preparation, and resolve to the test.
The Journey and the Storm
David's carefully planned trip took him over Dorothy Pass, the border between U.S. Forest Service land and Yosemite, where he joined the PCT. After several days of trekking, he veered off-trail at Tilden Lake, heading towards Tower Pass. Carrying a 60-pound pack with 10 days' worth of rations, David was prepared for various scenarios, including stretching his supplies to two weeks if necessary.
But on Day 5 of his adventure, as he hiked off-trail towards Tower Lake, the weather began to deteriorate rapidly. "The Sierras are beautiful and calm most of the time," David shared, "but this experience was unique in that I was caught off-guard by the swift deterioration of the weather." The light snow that had been forecasted quickly escalated into a storm, leaving him above the tree line with limited shelter.
Despite his vast experience, the situation became dire. Hypothermia was a real risk, and he found himself stranded for 14 hours on a mountain pass, battling the freezing conditions. The extended weather forecast reflected a much larger storm due ~12 hours after the rescue, which would have impeded YOSAR by 2-3 days, thus it was critical for the rescue to be done swiftly.
Facing the Elements: Survival and Resilience
David's experience and preparation paid off. Though he was isolated, he had a satellite phone and was able to contact the Divers Alert Network, which connected him to Ryan Gan, a paramedic who helped keep him calm and focused on basic survival tasks. "Ryan gave me plenty of calming reassurance and kept me on task," David recalled. In moments like these, staying positive and motivated was critical, and David relied on his extensive outdoor experience to remain composed.
"I reminded myself that I was fully prepared to withstand my predicament, at least for about 72 hours," he said, reflecting on the calmness he was able to maintain despite the harsh conditions. Even in the midst of a survival situation, nature offered moments of awe. "Seeing the winter wonderland from the top of the pass during a short break in the weather, and looking at Tower Lake below me, was incredible."
A Joyful Rescue
After enduring hours in the freezing storm, David received the help he needed when the Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR) team arrived. He recalls the profound emotion he felt at that moment: "Hearing the sound of the helicopter approach during the weather break brought tears to my eyes."
YOSAR’s professionalism left a lasting impression on David. "The YOSAR team is THE elite of the elite," he emphasized. "Their coordination, preparation, seamless teamwork, super fine attention to every detail, and calm, collected demeanor was dynamic perfection."
As a veteran of wilderness adventures, David was deeply appreciative of the expertise and efficiency of the rescue team. The relief of seeing them arrive after hours of waiting in treacherous conditions was indescribable.
Lessons Learned: Preparedness and Respect for Nature
This experience, though harrowing, served as a powerful reminder to David of the importance of preparedness and respect for nature. "You can NEVER be too prepared," he said, reflecting on the critical importance of being ready for anything when venturing into remote wilderness areas. Even with decades of experience, nature’s unpredictability can still catch you off guard.
David also learned valuable lessons about his own abilities. "Remaining calm and reminding myself that I was fully prepared to withstand my predicament" was a crucial realization. Even when the odds seemed stacked against him, his training and experience gave him the tools he needed to survive.
Looking back on the trip, David acknowledged that he would approach some decisions differently. "Be more conservative in decision making under time pressure," he advised, cautioning others to avoid the common mistake of pushing too hard or fast, sometimes referred to as "summit fever."
Advice for Yosemite Visitors
For those planning their own adventures in Yosemite or similar wilderness areas, David's advice is simple yet profound: "Be fully prepared for the unexpected." Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a first-time visitor, nature can be both awe-inspiring and dangerous, and preparation is key to a safe and successful adventure.
David’s remarkable journey through the Toiyabe National Forest serves as both an inspiring tale of survival and a reminder of the respect we must have for the power and unpredictability of nature.
