As a familiar sight to many, Mount Baldy looms over the skyline across the Los Angeles basin, appearing with its snow-tipped peak and daring adventurers of all levels to ascend its peak. With the recent record snowstorms, Southern California's 10,000-foot summit in the San Gabriel Mountains has proven even more challenging and treacherous for hikers, and has resulted in multiple fatalities.

Since November 1, 2022, to early February, there have been 19 search and rescue operations on Mount Baldy, with 15 alone in January. Adding to that, between 2017 and 2022, Search teams conducted a staggering 233 missions -- with eight fatalities. With this weekend's prediction of up to 100 inches of snowfall in a 24 hour period on the mountain's east side, there are sure to be more rescues -- and potential tragedies.

According to Commander Eric Vetere from the San Bernardino County