Date: January 11, 2017
Contact: Jennifer Evans, 541-594-3002
Crater Lake National Park rangers rescued three visitors on Wednesday afternoon after recent snowstorms forced them to take refuge in a heated restroom in Rim Village. A rotary snow plow cleared a path on the three-mile road from park headquarters to Rim Village to reach the stranded visitors. None of the individuals sustained major injuries.
Park staff were first notified of an overdue backcountry snowshoer by family members on January 9. The park was informed of the other two overdue travelers on January 11.
Severe weather conditions and the risk of avalanches prevented park staff from attempting to reach Rim Village until today. The road from park headquarters to Rim Village passes through several avalanche zones and was unsafe for travel.
Since January 7, the park has experienced heavy snow with strong wind gusts. The park closed all roads on Tuesday, January 10, because of snowfall, downed trees, and an avalanche. The road from park headquarters to Rim Village has been closed since January 7.
