Photo courtesy of Alpine Rescue Team. Used with permission.
CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, COLORADO – A hiker stranded near Chicago Lake below Mt. Blue Sky was rescued late Friday night after his cell phone died while calling 911, complicating efforts to pinpoint his location. Alpine Rescue Team, with assistance from Flight for Life and other agencies, battled strong winds and freezing temperatures to find the man and safely escort him out of the backcountry.
According to Alpine Rescue Team, the hiker called 911 sometime after 2 p.m. on Friday but lost contact before dispatchers could determine his exact location. Rescue teams initiated aerial searches with Flight for Life, but high winds quickly grounded helicopters. The Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control’s Mutual Mission Aircraft (MMA) then flew over the area using forward-looking infrared (FLIR) technology to help locate the missing person.
Despite challenging conditions, a hasty team from Alpine Rescue Team reached Chicago Lake on skis around 9 p.m. and managed to hear a faint voice across the lake. They located the stranded hiker, provided food, water, and warm clothing, and outfitted him with snowshoes before guiding him out. The group safely exited the field just after 1 a.m.
“If teams were unable to locate our missing person last night, this call would likely have had an unfortunate outcome,” Alpine Rescue Team stated, noting that wind gusts exceeded 50 mph and temperatures were dangerously cold at the time of the rescue.
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Lessons for Backcountry Travelers
Alpine Rescue Team emphasized several takeaways for those venturing into the mountains:
- Share Your Plans: Always inform a trusted contact about your intended route, gear, and expected return time.
- Carry the 10 Essentials: This includes extra batteries, a light source, and adequate clothing in case of unexpected delays.
- Bring Proper Snow Travel Gear: Snowshoes or other traction devices can significantly aid in self-rescue.
- Know That Rescue is Free: In Colorado, search and rescue teams do not charge for rescues, so don’t hesitate to call for help.
This rescue underscores the importance of preparation when exploring the backcountry, especially in winter. Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to support search and rescue teams by purchasing a Colorado Search and Rescue (COSAR) card, which helps fund these critical operations.
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