On Sunday, February 8th, volunteers with Lane County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue in Oregon responded to a search for an overdue hiker who had been missing in the backcountry for 3 days.
The hiker went missing in the area of Mt. Yoran north of Diamond Peak. Rescuers were able to locate the man in good health but out of water. Crews guided him back to his vehicle at a nearby snow park.
In response to the incident, the Lane county Sheriff’s Office encouraged recreators to plan accordingly if they intend to head off maintained roads in the snow. That means always telling someone where you’re going and when you plan to return, knowing the conditions before you leave, being prepared to stay out overnight, bringing maps to navigate offline, and staying put if you ever become lost.
Ideally if you get lost, find a way to signal or make your location visible. Carry a whistle and flashlight in the outdoors. Additionally, if you go out on the water, always wear a lifejacket.
