Campers:
Sequoia and Kings Canyon Park has another search generated by this last storm. We're looking for a solo hiker who's car is still at the Baxter trailhead parking lot. His first name is Robert (last name not released for privacy). He's a very experienced hiker with Alaska experience and has worked in the past for the National Park Service.
We think he went into the backcountry around 10/13 or so. He has (we think) a large yellow expedition type tent. He does not like to travel on trails and avoids areas with people. Whitney seems a low probability for him, but anyone who came out of the mountains recently with any information that might help us, please give us a call.
We got a couple of calls as a result of postings here from the last search and we appreciate people's help. As of yesterday afternoon, we'd pulled 9 people out of the backcountry between LeConte Canyon and Chicken Spring Lake. We are now pretty familiar with conditions in the backcountry and what they were during the storms, so only information on solo hikers seen or anyone who might have been traveling between Baxter Pass (Rae Lakes area) and Whitney is what we're after.
Incidentally, we STRONGLY advise against travel in the high country now. Full winter conditions have set in and travel is very difficult above 7,000 feet with 2 feet of snow and drifts of over 3 feet. This stuff is not blowing away any time soon and ANOTHER major storm system is predicted for Monday night.
So thanks again! Be safe out there.
Please contact:
George Durkee or Erika Jostad
Sequoia Kings Park Incident Command
559-565-3117 or
559-565-3195 and ask to be transferred to IC
