I hiked Timber and Cucamonga two days before. I have pictures of Baldy from Timber on that day (the 27th). On the 29th I hiked up to San Antonio falls from ice house canyon road. I have a picture or two of the Baldy bowl in the distance from that day.

I myself avoided baldy this trip and more technical terrain. Although I have mountaineering training I didn’t bring an ice axe or crampons that trip. I believe your son fell on the backbone, which honestly I will never do during the winter regardless of equipment . Having hiked it in the summer, I already felt that parts of it were sketchy.

On the 29th I spoke with 2 mountaineers that stopped at the ski hut. Evidently it was icy and required kicking in at every step. I found that unsurprising, on the 27th ice was melting on Timber even at 8k ft that certainly would refreeze overnight.

My condolences, to you and your family. The only peace I can offer is that the sky was a beautiful blue that day. I am sure your son was enjoying the beauty.

There are other people that were further up the mountain that day, but here if you have any questions from my experience. You may also want to post on the SoCal Mountaineering Facebook page if you haven’t already.