I wasn't there either. I have read this report, Bob R's SAR's report, Dennis Mattinson's weather reports (complete with editorializing about the extraordinary nature of the storm), Doug Sr.'s reports, and a variety of other reports, including technical climbers who feared desperately for their lives as they climbed down from various parts of the Whitney Zone. Everyone seems to agree -- this was a storm of unusual ferocity. Indeed, according to Bob R., at least three separate SARs teams were dropped on the mountain the next morning to sweep for incidents. There are a number of reports of people dealing with various stages of hypothermia. I have also looked at the photos of the aftermath of the storm. The damage to the trail will persist for some time.
Under these circumstances, I would give the benefit of the doubt to someone who called 911. It is quite clear that many folks (and not just the original poster) were in fear for their lives, whether from lightning, rockfalls, floods, falling branches, or hypothermia, no doubt exacerbated by the inability to stay dry while crossing waist-high water in roaring creeks. Roasting marshmallows and going to work seem to have been the last thing on the minds of the folks who have reported in. At the very least, that call may have led to the chain of events that tipped off Myles at the Store of the existence of stranded hikers, and his generous acts in helping folks get down.
Finally, I want to again thank folks for writing up their harrowing experiences. I was fortunate to have great weather when I was there last week, but these reports are an invaluable reminder of the range of conditions that may exist, and the importance of being prepared.
Thanks, and again, congratulations on your safe return.
