On the afternoon of Sunday, February 23rd, rangers received a call from a pair of skiers who asked for assistance in getting out of the park’s backcountry. They reported that they were in the area of Pumice Castle along the East Rim of the lake. Weather conditions (rain, fog, and snow) along with severe fatigue were factors that led them to request assistance. They reported no medical issues or injuries at that time and said that they had sufficient supplies/equipment for another night in the backcountry. Due to the time of day, they were advised to find a suitable campsite for the night and told that a rescue team would be dispatched the following morning.
On Monday morning, a team consisting of park staff and volunteer Crater Lake Ski Patrol members was assembled. The team was led by current ski patrol volunteer and retired chief ranger Pete Reinhardt. The rescue team reached the skiers at midday. They dried, warmed, fed and hydrated the couple, after which they were able to ski with them out of the backcountry before sunset.
Factors contributing to the incident included poor or inadequate equipment and lack of camping/skiing experience by one member of the group.
Supervisory Park Ranger Jan Lemons was the Incident Commander.
The Moon is Waning Gibbous (94% of Full)
Two Skiers Rescued From Crater Lake National Park Backcountry
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February 27, 2014 02:45PM |
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