You are here

Home » Mid-Winter Weather Conditions Hamper Search Efforts At Rocky Mountain National Park

Mid-Winter Weather Conditions Hamper Search Efforts At Rocky Mountain National Park

Share

Published Date

October 7, 2018
Search and rescue mission for Ryan Albert at Rocky Mountain National Park/NPS

Challenging weather conditions greeted search-and-rescue teams looking for Ryan Albert at Rocky Mountain National Park/NPS

Mid-winter weather conditions Sunday hampered search efforts in Rocky Mountain National Park for a New Jersey man believed to be missing in the Longs Peak area of the park since Friday.

Rime ice, pockets of deep snow, and temperatures in the 20s challenged ground searchers looking for Ryan Albert, 30, of Marlton, New Jersey. Rocky Mountain National Park search and rescue team members assisted by Rocky Mountain Rescue Group and Larimer County Search and Rescue were searching both low elevation and technical terrain to look for Albert. Information received Saturday indicated that Albert intended on climbing Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route.

Sunday's forecast called for ice fog, snow showers, thunderstorms and temperatures in the 20s and 30s. Up to 3 inches of snow was predicted for Sunday night in the search area, and the extended forecast included cold temperatures and snow throughout the week. 

A family member reported Friday afternoon that Albert had not been heard from. His rental car was found at the Longs Peak trailhead Friday afternoon, a park release said. 

SAR mission at Rocky Mountain National Park/NPS

Steep snow- and ice-covered slopes made the search for Ryan Albert treacherous/NPS

Cold, wintry conditions were forecast in Rocky Mountain National Park for the coming week/NPS

Cold, wintry conditions were forecast in Rocky Mountain National Park for the coming week/NPS



Related Stories:

Applications Are Open For 2025 Bailey Research Fellowship At Rocky Mountain NP

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Kellie E on October 10, 2018 - 8:54am.

Thank goodness for the search and rescue teams!  They are a dedicated and probably under appreciated group.  Many thanks for all that you and all of the park rangers do.


Submitted by Sharon Steimle on October 11, 2018 - 5:56am.

Tragic case. I hope they can find him. He had to know bad conditions were coming.  Why would he go hiking where snow drifts were waist high and going to deteriorate?


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.