Missing skier @ Hurricane Ridge 12/29/07

Olympic National Park skier survives night in snow cave
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, Wash. -- A 53-year-old cross-country skier who got lost in Olympic National Park during blizzard conditions has told rangers he survived the night in a snow cave and believes he's on the upper slopes of Hurricane Hill.

Randy Kraxberger of Port Townsend made cell phone contact with rangers around 8 a.m. Sunday, offering information about his probable location.

While cold and almost out of food, park officials say he's in good condition.

After suspending their search around midnight Saturday, rescuers began skiing to Hurricane Hill early Sunday morning amid high winds, low visibility and powder that's three to four feet deep.

High avalanche danger remains a concern for rescuers and support crews. Several slides have crossed Hurricane Ridge Road and have been observed elsewhere in the area.

He must have left the lodge between 1:00PM and 1:30.  In my experience it would be difficult, given the late start, to make it all the way to Hurricane Hill summit and take a run and call his wife at 3:30 saying he was lost. What do you think? Based on your observations on your return track, it is doubtful he made it all the way to Hurricane Hill. He is really fit but it usually takes 45 minutes to get to Steep and Icy under good conditions and that is only halfway to the summit.  Thanks again for your help.

This just in.  Randy was found alive and cold at 7:45 AM

Michael Ellis

You are right on about the timing.  I think that he signed out of the lodge at 1:30.  Travel along the road was fast as it had been well tracked.  Travel along the ridge past Steep and Icy was much slower with deep snow, low visibility and lots of drifts.  Given the call at 3:30, it seem reasonable that he would have had time to get out to Hurricane Hill.  Thankfully, you can ask him yourself.

Enarson said, "I really think at this point Randy's embarrassed."

I hope that Randy is not embarrassed and if so I apologize for bringing this to the attention of the board.  I am sure that some here have found themselves in a similar situation and that many of us have come close (known it or not).  Furthermore, it is quite likely still in the cards for some of us.  This made it easy for me to see myself in the same situation and reevaluate my BC practices as well as the gear that I carry.  3 of my last 4 trips have required my headlamp, I don't usually carry a phone and I think that I am now in the market for a light weight bivy bag.

Perhaps other positives will arise from this incident.  It occurred to me (not to criticize) that the rangers could have been better equipped for such an occurrence.  A strobe light, siren, bullhorn, fireworks, flairs, ect. would have been far superior to our headlamps and whistles.  As it turns out, Randy had the good sense to stay put.  Others may not and could find themselves deep in remote and rugged mountain terrine very quickly.  Thankfully this time turned out to be a "could have been worse" type of deal.

Snow Bell - Thanks for posting on this event. 

Surely we all need to know about this stuff.  I can't tell you how many times I have thrown in that little space blanket thing and a headlamp into my pack when heading out for the day, sometimes wondering if I carry too much stuff.  I am really glad Randy had the sense to dig in.  I hope that I am prepared to do the same if needed.  I admire Randy for being able to take care of himself.

---

Park rangers finds skier who survived overnight in snowy Olympics

Dec 30, 2007 1:49 PM  AP

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, Wash. (Map, News) - Olympic National Park rangers have found a 53-year-old backcountry skier who survived the night in a snow cave he built after getting lost in blizzard conditions.

Park officials say Randy Kraxberger of Port Townsend is in good condition and plans to ski back to Hurricane Ridge with his rescuers.

Six rescuers on skis reached him at the summit of Hurricane Hill around 1 p.m. Sunday, almost 24 hours after he first reported getting disoriented after clouds rolled in where he'd been skiing.

About a dozen park staff, 10 volunteers from Olympic Mountain Rescue, employees of the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club and personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station at Port Angeles took part in the search and rescue effort.

Park officials say Randy Kraxberger of Port Townsend is in good condition and plans to ski back to Hurricane Ridge with his rescuers.

Great news.

Give that man a hot toddy and put him into a hot tub.
Stat.

Wow, Joe, you should maybe think about a career in journalism... that was a gripping account - and a very inspiring ending.

"About a dozen park staff, 10 volunteers from Olympic Mountain Rescue, employees of the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club and personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station at Port Angeles took part in the search and rescue effort." (And an official representative of TAY!)

I always carry a bivvy sack and foam pad for that unforseen overnight stay. When I take the younger genration out to play in the woods, they make fun of my oversized (though rarely overweighted) pack. They have difficult time with the idea of the 10 essentials. I know I was rebellious at that age, too, but embraced the idea of preparedness. It sounds like Randy was experienced, and kept a calm head. Good job! I hope his story will inspire more people to prepare just a little bit more with knowledge, experience and gear, as it sounds like he did.

I agree with you, Joe, that without knowing it we've all been one bad turn away from injury, or one quick whiteout away from spending the night out. And, Man can the weather change fast. We were on Amabilis Mountain yesterday, and in the space of about 5 minutes, it went from calm, high cloud ceiling, to blowing, thick snow and low clouds. It was exciting, and a first time experience for my kids, and I'm glad we had plenty of daylight.
Don

Space Emergency Bag-

10 bucks and it weighs maybe a ounce!

www.rei.com/product/357005

I always carry one of these guys-note how bummed the gentleman on the box looks!