Our average victims travel too far and too fast to acclimatize to the mountain environment. They ignore signs of weather change or environmental hazards. They frequently ignore body indicators in their quest of preset goals. They travel from their artificial environments completely unprepared to sustain life in a wilderness setting. More often than not they have not learned to protect and conserve what they do have.
Improper clothing or footwear is always a factor. Lack of rest contributes to many injuries. Thirst frequently plays a role, even in winter conditions. Both hypo and hyperthermia incapacitate or kill. All too often, people take on too ambitious an undertaking for their skill level. Poor physical condition is a frequent factor. Inadequate or improper food stops many in their tracks.
Very little or no planning at all leads to disaster. Lack of leadership in a group causes dissension and leads to people becoming separated. Many do not leave their itinerary with others. Numerous cases involve people not familiar with the terrain, even venturing out without a map. And virtually all victims never anticipated a problem, or simply had the attitude that it couldn't happen to them. They had no pre-plan.
Having just one of these problems in a wilderness environment can kill you. Do you fit the victim mold? No matter what your experience level, check yourself against this list. Use common sense when venturing out. The mountains will always be here for you to enjoy. The decisions you make will decide whether you will be here to enjoy them again and again.
Be safe and enjoy all that the eastern Sierra here in Mono County has to offer.