Skyline Trail In January!

You know how the usual bad situation on the Skyline Trail happens in warm weather when out-of-towners are shocked to discover that it's very challenging to climb 8,000 feet in desert summer temperatures? On Tuesday this week it was different. They started out from Palm Springs in what must have seemed like very mild weather to a couple of Canadians, but by the time they got to 6,000 feet the fact that it is January impressed itself upon them and search & rescue was initiated.

Press Release: Lost Hikers - Search & Rescue Operation

Incident Date: January 24, 2012 Time: 5:45 PM

Incident Location: Area of Skyline Trail, Upper Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Reporting Officer: Sergeant Don Fortney

Details:

On Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at about 5:45 P.M., deputies assigned to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Cabazon Station were dispatched to a report of two lost hikers in the area of the Skyline Trail, east of the Upper Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Station, near the 6000 foot level. Both had set out on a day hike, wearing light clothing, and were not properly dressed or equipped for the snow they encountered at the higher elevations. The hikers became disoriented and lost the trail, as nightfall set in. As it began to snow again, temperatures quickly dropped to about 28 degrees. The hikers did have a cellular phone in their possession and were able to call Riverside County Sheriff's Dispatch and request assistance.

Due to the gravity of the situation, members of the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit were activated, responded, and began a ground search. In addition, a helicopter crew from the Riverside County Sheriff's Aviation Unit was called in to search for the couple. At about 9:50 P.M., the aviation unit spotted the lost hikers but was unable to land or deploy a rescue crew, due to the steep terrain and unsafe high winds. Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit members were directed to the hiker's location by the helicopter crew who assisted in coordinating a ground rescue; however, were unable to complete the ground rescue due to the hikers being too exhausted to hike out. Rescuers provided the hikers with food, water and warm clothing and bedded down with the hikers until daybreak. In the morning rescuers relocated the lost hikers to a safe landing zone and at about 10:30 A.M, both hikers were extracted from the mountain by a helicopter crew with the Sheriff's Aviation Unit and airlifted to safety.

The hikers, identified as 46-year-old Anna Moshchenko and 48-year-old Mario German both from Canada, were found cold and exhausted, but otherwise uninjured. They declined medical treatment and were transported back to their vehicle.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department would like to remind local hikers to be mindful of even short wilderness hikes. Hikers should consider their experience, knowledge of the terrain, weather and personal physical limitations. During this time of year, the weather can change drastically, and the temperatures can drop significantly, with little or no warning. Remember to bring enough water and wear appropriate clothing. Always let friends and family know where you intend on hiking and when you are expected to return.