Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Altitude JEOPARDY

The topics of altitude, AMS, acclimation, etc. have been prominent on the boards this week, and it got me thinking about how capricious and unpredictable altitude illnesses can be.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to speak with the leader of a group of about 25 people who I'm pretty certain spend more time above 14,000 feet (above sea level) year in and year out than any other group of Americans - thousands and thousands of hours per year. He told me that his biggest challenge, other than the obvious weather events at such an elevation, was dealing with altitude-related issues such as AMS, even though many members of his group consistently spend a significant percentage of their entire year above 14K'. That struck me as probably the best example of how AMS should always be a concern at elevation, regardless of an individual's prior lack of issues.

Anyone want to venture a guess as to what group of people I'm talking about? And, no - flight is not a player here. These are folks with their feet planted firmly on the ground.

There's one board member who should absolutely nail this without a second thought - I would ask that person (you know who you are) to hold off just a bit till others have had a chance to demonstrate their deductive abilities .

On the contrary, they have that responsibility. Have you seen the medical history forms they require from clients?

Dale B. Dalrymple

> a group of about 25 people who I'm pretty certain spend more time above 14,000 year in and year out than any other group of Americans - thousands and thousands of hours per year.

All I can guess is miners at a high-altitude mine in Chile???

I recall a student posting here who spent some time at a mine like that.

I would guess that the mountain rescue crews have to pay attention to it a bit.

Good guesses guys, but not even close. This requires thinking outside the box a bit. And is within the boundaries of the US (I didn't make that clear at the outset - sorry).

I Googled "american everest guides" and found half-a-dozen companies, which could possibly add up to 25 or so American guides. Cindy would know!. Is there a national society or organization for this group?

All the time at elevation - every minute of it - is spent within the boundaries of the US, not Americans outside the country. It wasn't a trick question (at least not in that sense). It just takes a little broader thinking - and a bit of knowledge of high elevations outside of California.

Dave, I'd really be surprised if Google helped anyone get this.

You posted that detail while I was writing my reply...

Did one of their huts burn down in 2009?

Not that I'm aware of. To my personal knowledge, a hut, as such, isn't even present.

Does "10th." feature in the group's name?

Found this on Google, "xxxx" so it doesn't give more away...

Other Requirements
1. Valid xxxx driver's license.
2. Successful completion of high altitude physical and continuing ability to work effectively at 14,000 foot altitude.
3. Willingness to commit to xxxx core and cultural values.
4. Ability to work varying schedules including weekdays, weekends, holidays and evening hours.

Working Conditions:
1. Work at the xxxx (14,000 feet elevation) on a frequent basis.

Nope.

Outside the box. From the perspective of a board that might focus heavily on mountaineering and associated endeavors, way outside the box. A mountain is involved, but that's the extent of it.

Steve, you may have it! Then again, I wasn't aware of item # 1 - there is another option. PM me - I'm curious what your search words were.

Three answers (all in the same place):

The v c?
The S H?
The R C?

All on top?

Ken, I'm not getting a hit on these initials, but PM me with more detail.

They have a Subaru and a Gemini and they work all night?

No, but a good deduction. Getting warmer.

Do they work on the tallest mountain on Earth?

Not unless they moved Everest to the United States . . .

I would be willing to bet that several of you have been to this place and interacted with some of these people. If not, you gotta get out (of Cali) more!