- Initial Situation
- Group descends to lake at foot of talus-decorated cirque in Fitzpatrick Wilderness
- Two lakes separated by small bridge of land
- Weasel with fat pika encountered during descent
- Camping Conditions
- Tent pitched at 11 o'clock on far shore of near lake
- MSR backpacking tent weighs over 3 pounds
- Thin tree canopy provides limited protection from snow
- Storm brings corn snow, then pea-sized ice particles
- Outcome
- Only way out is navigating talus and finding nearest trail
- Initial maps showed 2-mile distance with 1,000-foot descent
- Vehicle is 20 miles away at 11,000 feet elevation
- Group faces significant challenges returning to vehicle