A Colorado hiker wearing only a cotton hoodie was rescued last week after a severe snowstorm stranded them near a mountain summit, rescuers said Saturday. The hiker had “bushwacked to summit” a 13,000-foot ridge near Mount Princeton on Wednesday, Chaffee County Search and Rescue North said.
When the storm moved in, however, the hiker found themselves “unprepared,” lacking proper gear, food, and running out of water. With darkness approaching and hypothermia setting in, the individual decided to take a risky route down an avalanche chute in an attempt to reach a road.
Despite having a phone, the hiker was unable to provide GPS coordinates, only mentioning that they were in an avalanche chute east of Cottonwood Lake. Rescuers faced challenging conditions as they navigated through 8 inches of snow and searched steep and slippery avalanche chutes filled with fallen trees and brush.
Rescuers instructed the stranded hiker to keep moving down the mountain while a team of 25 search and rescue personnel braved the snowstorm to locate them. Around 2 a.m., the team discovered what they initially thought was a rock but turned out to be the hiker, hunched over and covered in snow.
The hiker was found alive but suffering from hypothermia. Rescuers worked diligently for three hours to warm them up before embarking on the descent down the steep gully. Using ropes, the hiker was gradually lowered down one section at a time until they were able to walk on their own.
By 7 a.m., the hiker and the rescuers reached an ambulance, and the hiker’s condition remains unknown at this time. Rescue officials emphasized the importance of being prepared and checking weather conditions before venturing into the outdoors.
In conclusion, a Colorado hiker’s lack of preparedness during a snowstorm near a mountain summit led to their rescue by a dedicated team of search and rescue personnel. This incident serves as a reminder for outdoor enthusiasts to prioritize safety and proper planning when engaging in adventurous activities.
