From this article, it seems part of the problem is social media and the use of SOS devices that are satellite synched, giving people a false sense of security that someone will rescue them.
From last year:
There were a couple of hikers last year who slipped on the ice and died, so it seems a real risk for inexperienced and unprepared hikers.
Here's a link to the video of one casualty in Jan 2023 who was hiking in the dark, live streaming her hike and slipped on the ice. I hope Lisei wasn't doing this
Crystal Paula Gonzalez-Landas, 56, was reportedly hiking on the icy Baldy Bowl on Mount Baldy when she slid an estimated 500 to 700 feet on Sunday.
nypost.com
Crystal G-L had relevant experience, too, much more than the current case. IIRC she was wearing cleats when crampons would have been the safer piece of equipment, but likely the risk got astronomically higher because she was distracted by her Instagram ambitions. Just stopping to film might have made her too cold to think straight.
I feel badly for the sheriff warning people over and over again, and they're not paying attention.
I don't believe (but I'm not certain) that SOS devices are playing a role in attracting inexperienced folks to dangerous places, because of the SOS feature, though this has been a meme of MSM for years. IME selfies of various types are the problem, and the urge to film from extreme places, for likes on IG. IG can look seductively easy for folks who have no idea about real danger in the wild.
The biggest problem with the SOS cell devices is that they can inadvertently call emergency services. The iphone has "fall detection", but they've been finding that skiers are flying and crash-landing, and their device calls. Since they generally keep their phones in their pack, they don't get the message from the service asking them to confirm they're okay, and SAR responds. Apple has since tightened the algorithm.
I've more than once had an iphone/watch ask me exactly that when I've tripped in the woods while searching for a pee spot. I've had to quick tell the phone/watch that I'm fine before it automatically calls. Once, I didn't respond fast enough, but rushed to call 911 to tell them to cancel.
Note: the SOS calls with satellite only work with iphone 14 and up, so not a huge number of people have that capability.
Generally, though, I would say inexperienced hikers expect a rescue if they get over their heads. But they miss the notion that this isn't like a helicopter shows up to snatch them from near-death. Often, helicopters can't fly because conditions are dangerous, and SAR takes a while to muster, because they have real lives and must report to the command location. Plus, SAR won't be sent out if it's not safe for them.
The other kind of hiker that can become a serious casualty is the kind who THINK they're experienced. Often, all they've ever had to do is put one foot in front of another, sometimes on very crowded trails. That's not experience. Someone in their early twenties is not going to be experienced, either. This is all why I advocate getting experience from old-timers or traditional, long-time climbing clubs. In their chit chat, they will introduce you to problem situations which likely you've never thought of.
Less than cell phones, I get more appalled at the tiny packs folks carry into wilderness conditions. They clearly don't have a thought for potential emergencies. They often seem to expect other people to rescue them if they have a problem, too, which is the corollary to carrying a small pack or going "ultralight". IMO this is extremely inconsiderate and irresponsible.
