Hikers found safe in Wind River Mountains
Sudden snow storm catches them unprepared
by Pinedale Online!
August 12, 2009
Sublette County Tip Top Search and Rescue teams were activated on Sunday, August 9, 2009 for a report of two people who were overdue getting back to camp while hiking in the Wind River Mountains. A father and daughter were hiking from Titcomb Lake to Knapsack Col and back to their camp at Seneca Lake where they were to meet another family member. When they did not return on time as planned, the family member called for help.
According to a media release from the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office, Tip Top Search and Rescue was activated and two members used a helicopter to fly the area on Sunday afternoon. A helicopter was again used on Monday and Tuesday, along with ground and horse teams searching the area.
Flyers were sent in with hikers going into the area to alert them to be on the lookout for the missing hikers.
On Tuesday morning, hikers going to climb Gannett Peak came across the missing pair and called the Forest Service and reported finding them. The helicopter was advised and located the subjects and airlifted them from the area.
The man and woman were found to be exhausted and dehydrated, but fine otherwise. They stated they were on the backside of Knapsack Col when a snow storm came in and caught them without proper clothing. They holed up in shelter Friday night and all day Saturday and Saturday night until they could leave. They then missed their trail due to the fresh snowfall. All parties were reunited.
Tip Top Search and Rescue and the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office remind hikers to pack appropriate gear for unexpected weather conditions when going into the mountains. For additional information contact the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office at 307-367-4378.
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