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Some folks in trouble on Long's Peak tonight. Anyone got a contact # for someone who is a resource in the area?

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brad@adventureoperationsgroup.com wrote:Some folks in trouble on Long's Peak tonight. Anyone got a contact # for someone who is a resource in the area?

Things are too bad right now for a rescue. I checked a guy into my hotel earlier tonight from Winter Park who drove over Trail Ridge to help with the rescue. From what he told me, the two girls were hunkered down at the Loft with a tent, bags and assc. clothing. No crampons or axes though. There's two rangers at the patrol cabin in Chasm Meadows but visibility is 0%. He and two rangers are heading up in the morning to try an rescue them.

Things REALLY REALLY bad here in town. All LAN lines are down and no cell service.

Big Thompson is having a once in 75yr rain right now.....serious and massive flooding. Why in the world would these girls be anywhere near Longs? I hope they're ok....gotta be vicious up there right now.

A little more info:

http://helpconnieandsuz.tumblr.com/

is it insensitive of me to wonder why they went out after checking the forecast despite "plenty of backcountry experience"? and now want military special forces involved in their rescue?

Not really, but probably best to keep those thoughts to yourself at the moment since there are likely distraught family members and friends looking around for information on their whereabouts & well-being.

Regardless of how they got there and why, it's clear they need help now.

They just made it down.

Why would they want military special forces for the rescue? Were they being held hostage?

They are folks from the Nemo Tent Company. Maybe the role of their sleeping bags/tent will be discussed in a future Nemo blog?

Woodswalker wrote:Why would they want military special forces for the rescue? Were they being held hostage?

I wondered the same. Then I read the blog posted on Tumblr by Connie's sister, Ashley. In addition to Forest Service Rangers and National Guard, Special forces was one of several SAR options considered as nearby resources. Apparently there's a Special Forces training facility nearby at Fort Carson? It doesn't appear that Connie or Suzanne requested a rescue by Special Forces. It was a request/option considered by family/friends.

Woodie Hopper wrote:Not really, but probably best to keep those thoughts to yourself at the moment since there are likely distraught family members and friends looking around for information on their whereabouts & well-being.

Regardless of how they got there and why, it's clear they need help now.

100% correct. Now that they're safe, it should be critiqued and analyzed. NO "experienced" backcountry traveler would go to the top of Long's with a full on monsoon in full swing.....ESPECIALLY without axe or crampons. I'm VERY glad they're safe, and human life ALWAYS comes first, but where is personal accountability and responsibility anymore?! What, just because we have cell and satellite signal and can call for help, this gives us the right to put people's physical and emotional health at risk? People like this need a slap on the wrist, a wake up call, that their actions affect others! Rescuers risked life and limb to go up their and pull their irresponsible butts off that peak, and family/friends prob worried/cried for their well-being.....all so they could climb some peak during a VERY WELL PUBLICIZED storm? I just don't get it. I can't imagine what their motivation could have been, and I highly doubt that they had no idea what they were walking into. If they didn't know, they definitely are NOT "experienced". Of course, that was described by family/friends......other people's definition of experienced may not be very accurate. I'm not trying to be insensitive, but do people EVER think of the OTHER lives they're putting in jeopardy when they do these things? Are rescue workers lives not valuable too? Do what you will with your OWN life......but you need to head out prepared for the consequences. Imagine doing something this stupid, and rescue worker dies because of it....and you have to live knowing a wife/husband and children have to live the rest of their lives without that loved one.....just not worth it.

Completely agree. If they could pack a tent with a big storm brewing, they should have brought the axe & crampons too.

I'm glad they are safe, and SAR too.

Woodie

"Plenty of backcountry experience" and mountaineering experience do not equate.

Of course, I'm very glad they are safe. And smarter, now.