Lost Hiker Rescued in California Mountains: Survived Avalanche with Foraged Food

Tiffany Slaton, after being missing for several weeks, was found in a snowy cabin in California's Sierra Nevada region. She recounted her survival tale, involving an avalanche and a fall from a cliff.

In a press briefing held with her family and local authorities, Slaton explained how she navigated these challenges. She detailed an accident where she was rendered unconscious after a plunge from a cliff.

"I lost consciousness for two hours after my fall and had to improvise a splint for one leg while realigning my dislocated knee," she explained. Thick snow from the avalanche blocked her path to safety and made it impossible to reach the main road.

Although numerous attempts to reach emergency services through 911 failed, Slaton could still use GPS to plot a course to downtown, identifying the nearest Starbucks location. However, she described this as being a 'long and difficult trek.'

Running out of supplies by the fifth day, Tiffany, a nutritionist by profession, survived on wild leeks, boiled snowmelt, and made infusions using manzanita and pine needles.

The Sierra Nevada’s abundance of leeks was a lifesaver, not readily found elsewhere," Slaton mentioned. "Boiling snow for water helped ensure my survival over the extensive period."

Initially, her trip had been for camping, well-equipped with two sleeping bags and a tent, but she lost them, leaving her only with a lighter and a knife.

"Nature can be daunting," she said. "Finding comforting moments amidst fear is key to perseverance."

Her plight ended when the owner of Vermilion Valley Resort discovered her on Wednesday during what she described as the 13th severe snowstorm she endured.

"Had help not arrived in time, I might not have survived to tell my story," commented Slaton.

Coinciding with her rescue, Slaton celebrated her 28th birthday the following day.

In addition to her expertise in nutrition, she is skilled in archery and athletics.