This came in at 9:42 PM -- News Release from SEKI:
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks News Release
For Immediate Release: October 20, 2010
Contact: Dana M. Dierkes
Phone Number: (559) 565-3131
Search and Rescue in/around Mount Whitney
Inyo County and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are currently conducting a search and rescue operation in/around Mount Whitney. Teams are searching for three males that hiked to Mount Whitney late on Monday, October 18, in the evening. See the three attached flyers for specific information and photos of the missing parties. Any hikers who may have seen or come in contact with any of the individuals should call the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Incident Command Post at 559-565-3117.
Approximately 45 people have been assigned to the incident as of October 20. Search operations are being hampered by snowstorms with accumulations between 1-3 feet of new snow. Additional staff and a helicopter have been ordered in the hope that the weather will allow search operations to continue tomorrow.
