*** Pikes Peak Rescue of Military Personnel *** To: Search & Rescue Info Date sent: Thu, 01 Jun 95 21:15:10 -0800 From: Lee, Ron Subject: Another Pikes Peak Mission 5/31-6/1/95 To: SAR Info BBS Colorado Springs, CO - June 1, 1995 by Ron Lee, El Paso County SAR Five Army servicemen stranded at 13,800 ft on Pikes Peak (summit 14,110 ft). Mission page went out 20:35 5/31/95 for rescue on Pikes Peak, location unknown. Party of 35 soldiers bussed to Summit earlier in day for winter mountaineering. At the end of day five servicemen failed to return to rendevous point. Darkness decended. Army PRC radio used by stranded personnel to report their situation. El Paso County SAR responded to the summit by road and using info relayed determined missing group probably located north of Summit House at 13,800 ft, below the ridge separating the east face from area called Bottomless Pit. The weather was mild, but well below freezing. The area has been hard hit with late winter storms during past 2 months, with record snowfall and little melting/evaporation. Snow depth at the site reported to be in 15-20 foot range. The Pikes Peak highway has several cuts in the snow over 12 ft. General weather conditions - clear with occasional clouds, however the Peak summit area was enveloped in thick clouds. The subjects were located by SAR teams about midnight using GPS units and ingenuity to discern errors in lat/longs provided by the stranded troops. Two subjects were suffering from severe cold and hypothermia, one occasionally losing conciousness. A snow cave had been dug prior to SAR team arrival.All the victims cold, wet, having worn cotton clothing. Dry clothes and extra bivie sacks were provided to the victims. We spent the night on the mountain then traversed approximately 3 miles south in deep snow to the Fred Barr trail, to a predesignated Landing Zone. Several landing zones have been established on Pikes Peak for such occasions as this. An Army Chinook helicopter from Ft. Carson dropped a penetrator on a cable and lifted the victims and equipment. The SAR team returned to summit by trail. The mission terminated at 09:59 6/1/95. Ft. Carson has supported EPCSAR missions many times with Chinook choppers capable of operating at high altitude. We are pleased finally to do something for Ft. Carson in return. Note: El Paso SAR (EPCSAR) serves the Pikes Peak Region. Ron Lee. ----------------------------------------------