I am really glad you finally reposted all that information, Alan.
Since those posts were written, a scout troop was hit by lightning in Sandy Meadow, July 28, 2005. The strike instantly killed a scout leader and a second scout died later. A third was injured, but I don't know the outcome. Sandy Meadow is four miles west of Mt. Whitney on the JMT. The scouts were among trees, and took shelter from an afternoon thunderstorm when they were hit. Sandy Meadow is approximately 10,500 feet elevation.
I have read a number of reports on the message boards from people being on the Whitney crest, and hearing the rocks -- and even their hiking poles -- emitting a hissing noise. It is a common occurrence, I believe, when lightning strike potential is high. It is literally a hair-raising experience.
Several years ago, there was a post on wpsmb about a hiker being lightly hit, and he hiked down, but his feet or hands were still tingling from the strike.
