Hurt hikers plucked from Glacier cliff

Two missing hikers were rescued Tuesday in Glacier National Park after they were injured on a hike Sunday.

The women were located late Monday on a cliff face above Avalanche Lake.

The Two Bear Air rescue helicopter hoisted the two injured hikers out of the area at approximately 7 a.m. Tuesday, once daylight had arrived and the weather had improved.

Both hikers had sustained leg injuries from falling. Park staff provided initial treatment and the hikers were transported to the hospital for more definitive care.

The hikers are employees in the Science and Resource Management Division at Glacier National Park.

A friend of one employee and a family member of the other contacted park staff to report them overdue early Monday morning after they had not returned from a personal day hike Sunday night as planned.

Search efforts were launched Monday morning.

Based on their planned itinerary, the search area was focused in the area between Logan Pass and Sperry Chalet. This high alpine area includes treacherous country filled with rock cliffs, waterfalls, wet and slippery rocks and boulders, and dense vegetation. 

A storm had moved through the area Sunday evening, resulting in inclement weather and limited visibility.

Several National Park Service ground search teams responded and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Forest Service provided aerial support. A park incident management team was organized to manage the search effort that involved more than 40 park staffers and others.

Aerial search efforts were hampered Monday afternoon by high winds and low visibility.

The following factors contributed to the success of this rescue operation, according to a news release Tuesday night from Glacier Park:

The hikers had planned ahead and were prepared with proper footwear, clothing and equipment. They traveled as a pair. They were experienced hikers and were prepared for the challenging terrain. They also left their planned itinerary with someone, which greatly aided in timely search-and-rescue response.