Important!!!! - Ellen Coleman is missing

[KathyW]

http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080203/NEWS08/302030021

[guest]

Hi,
I've spoke with a supervisor at the tram, and I've made contact with a ranger at Long Valley.
The conditions are horrendous, as far as wind, 80+ mph! Today, I heard it wasn't super cold, considering the chill factor, but having already spent one night, it's got to be cold enough.
Rescuers tracks were gone within 10 mins after walking on the snow. The drifts are big enough now, as to make the terrain look very unfamiliar.
Even if it's not snowing, the wind can "make it snow" off the ground.

I gave the ranger as much info re. Ellen that I could, which she will pass on to RMRU.

The rescues are complete on Skyline, 1 party was found under tram tower 4!!

The tram shut down this afternoon, so Perry & I were not able to go up, although it may have been to dangerous.

I may ride up in the morning. The tram lost power, which means the ranger Sta. is out too.

Hopefully the aircraft can fly tomorrow.

ss

[Hikin_Jim]

HOLY COW, not Ellen. Oh, wow. So not good.

At the very least, let's be on our knees (a lot) for Ellen.

HJ

[HikeUp]

God speed to Ellen and the SAR teams.

[Jim Bakos]

Hi Gang:

I just realized that it's our Ellen that we're searching for!

We start again tomorrow at daybreak. We have some of out of town teams already on-site from the Marines (and others) we just pulled off the Skyline. As well as a state OES command post set-up.

Conditions are BAD up there. Winds in excess of 80 mph, it blew out car windows at our command post at the lower tram parking lot, and rolled one of the old tram cars as you pass the upper gate. Bad stuff indeed.

I can't encourage any of you to go up on your own. But we also can't stop private citizens from enjoying the wilderness. If you choose to go, be VERY, VERY safe! We don't want to have to rescue you too...

Ellen is in our prayers. I'll be out searching, with the rest of my team and others, at first light.

--Jim

[Hikin_Jim]

Thanks, Jim,

I appreciate your keeping us updated.

HJ

[guest]

Thanks for the message & effort Jim.

ss

[AlanK]

OMG! Ellen!? There are a lot of us out here thinking of her. We are really pulling for Ellen and the SAR people!

[lee]

This the email I received from Ed, our Saturday trip's organizer:

---------------------------------------------------------
Lee
No I did not see Ellen on the mountain...I did see her in the lobby
prior to
our ascent up the tram...not sure if she was on the same tram as
us...do not
remember seeing her after the lobby visit...God Bless her and the
searchers...hopefully, they will find her safe and healthy.
Ed
P.S. Sorry to hear about this.
----------------------------------------------------------

[zippetydude]

I don't know what to say. I can't stand the thought of her up there alone. I missed the first posting this afternoon by just a few minutes - otherwise Perry and I could have jumped on the next tram and at least given it a shot. Especially, we would have been easy for her to see since we would have been carrying lights.

I seem to recall Ellen mentioning (in one of the discussions about hikers getting lost) that she had gotten off the trail up by the peak once, and found herself going in the wrong direction. I can't find the post, but if my memory is correct, it's got to be here somewhere. If there's some spot that might have thrown her off, it's possible that might have happened again. Can anyone find that post?

Also, is anyone else available to go up and search for her tomorrow or the next day? It's supposed to be clear and sunny, so the chances of success will be better. I don't know if I can clear my schedule at work, but I'm trying right now. Anyone else?

Has anyone hiked to the peak with Ellen in the snow? Do you know what route she would have most likely taken? Any leads, any ideas may help to narrow down the search area.

z