Mount Rainier National Park (WA)
Missing Snowshoer Found By Searchers

A massive search for a snowshoer missing in the park since last Saturday culminated in a successful rescue on Monday night. A team of three searchers led by ranger Jordan Mammel located missing snowshoer Yong Chun Kim at approximately 2 p.m. on Monday afternoon in the Stevens Creek drainage just east of the Paradise area. It took until 11 p.m. to safely evacuate Kim by sled and Snowcat. Despite his ordeal, he was in relatively good health and was able to return home with his family. Kim, 66, was leading a snowshoe walk for a hiking group from Tacoma on Saturday afternoon when he slipped down a steep slope. He was unable to ascend back to the group and told them he would go around and meet them. His hiking companions returned to Paradise; when Kim failed to return by mid-afternoon, the National Park Service began a search that continued through Sunday and into Monday, ultimately involving more than 100 people. Kim is an experienced snowshoer who has done many day trips at Mount Rainier. He was well equipped for day travel but did not have overnight gear or experience. The search took place in mountainous terrain at elevations of from 4,000 to 6,000 feet. The weather was wintry, with fresh snow each day, low temperatures in the teens, and high winds. Organizations that participated in the search include National Park Service staff from Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks; Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol; German Shepherd Search Dogs; Volcanoes Rescue Team; and Mountain Rescue Units from Tacoma, Everett, Seattle, Olympic, Portland, and Central Washington. The IC was Stefan Lofgren.