Missing hiker at tram.

[Walker Sky Ranch]

I hope and pray for a good outcome
My team mates got called out yesterday and I sure hope all come off the mountain safe and healthy

http://www.kesq.com/news/26931973/detail.html



PALM SPRINGS, Calif. -- Members of Riverside County Sheriff's search and rescue teams were searching the Mt. San Jacinto wilderness on Sunday for any signs of a hiker who hasn't been heard from since venturing out on Saturday morning.
Family members of Brian Carrico, 57, of Redondo Beach, said he had not returned at the time he said he would, so they contacted the State Parks Dept., who in turn contacted the Riverside County Sheriff's Dept.
Carrico had left the lower tram station early Saturday morning, said Lt. Ruben Navarro. When the family's call came into authorities the conditions atop the mountain were near white-out snowfall and temperatures in the low to mid-20s.
The last known time his cellular phone was working was noon on Saturday.
Carrico was an experienced hiker, and his family told searchers he was properly equipped with food, water, and heavy clothing.
"It is important that hiking enthusiasts remember high altitude mountain trails can quickly and unexpectedly get overcome by severe weather conditions," said Navarro. "It is also important to note that cellular phones cannot always be relied upon in mountainous terrain."
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Cabazon Sheriff’s Station at (951)922-7100 or via email at CabazonStation@riversidesheriff.org PrintEmail

[Cy Kaicener]

http://mydesert.com says that the upper tram station received two feet of new snow, so I am also hoping for a positive outcome.
The link below says he was hoping to climb the peak when he signed in at the Ranger Station.
http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/cab11-0219.asp

[Hikin_Jim]

Doesn't sound good. Hope I'm wrong and he wandered into the tram bar and just got too drunk to figure things out.

HJ

[93ludegirl]

Why do people who dont live here and/or really know that trail, try to do it alone in inclimate weather?? Not tryin to be insensitive...but I dont get it. That last 1.5miles is hard enough to find your first time on a good day...AND my phone never works from 1 mile befor flatrock until i get to tram-top....so thats no help... _hopefully he had warm clothes and is safe and gets home/rescued

[guest]

Hi, I was one of many on this board who waited for 2 hrs. for the 1st tramcar to go up & 10:15 after ice was removed from some of the tram cables, (Sun).
I spoke with a few RMRU guys, who also were unable to get up the tram early.
Apparently 3 SAR's guys camped out Sat night, so they were able to get an early start.
There was indeed 2 ft. of fresh powder, temps weren't too cold at 10:30,(maybe high 30's), but must have been very cold last night.
I was surprised to see close to a dozen people returning to tram after snow camping Sat night.
I choose to head a different way than the rest, (almost everyone with eqpmt. headed for the peak), but figured I could do more good in a different direction, but no luck east & north of Cornell.
The chopper began a steady search around noon, I did here them talking on the PA, couldn't make it out, probably telling the public to keep an eye out, or directing the ground crew.

No luck at the Mt. Shelter, and upon my return to Ranger Sta. at approx. 1:30 no sign either.

I can say, that once you leave the packed down trail, which was only layed down this morning, the snow was deep & soft, I was post-holing 11/2-3 ft. with 27" snowshoes, so even with skis, which is what this man had, it was work to get anywhere.

I'm holding a good thought.

BTW Torrey, he was not on Skyline, but left the Mt. Sta and probably heading for the peak, (San Jac).

ss

[93ludegirl]

Ohhh, ok. i misunderstood.

[bluerail]

Hope today brings better success than yesterday, not one sign of anything from the mtn station to the peak. And as we were leaving lastnight a car full of Sierra Madre sar showed up also. Good luck to all the sar people out there, I really wonder how many people realize what you people do and what you go through, spending the night in a tent after being in a storm, fighting through very tough conditions..showing up at night to continue the search..

Really stuns me what you people have in you. Thank you to all the SAR people out there and the Rangers at the tram.

...and our tram family.


-steve

[bluerail]

They found him... alive and apparently in good shape.


Once again...great work guys, and thanks for everything you do.

[tramtim]

Look like that SAR may have him around Willow Creek drainage. Heli has a visual and crews are on the way to him, he is alert and moving.

[bluerail]

Hi there Tim