In Brief: Lost skier found in good condition

Mon., Dec. 31, 2007

The Spokesman-Review

Olympic National Park rangers have found a 53-year-old backcountry skier who survived the night in a snow cave he built after getting lost in blizzard conditions.

Park officials say Randy Kraxberger of Port Townsend is in good condition and plans to ski back to Hurricane Ridge with his rescuers.

Six rescuers on skis reached him at the summit of Hurricane Hill about 1 p.m. Sunday, almost 24 hours after he reported becoming disoriented after clouds rolled in where he’d been skiing.

About a dozen park staff, 10 volunteers from Olympic Mountain Rescue, employees of the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club and personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station at Port Angeles took part in the search and rescue effort.

Region

Holiday to affect some services

The following offices and services will be affected by the New Year holiday.

“City and rural garbage pickup will be one day late for the week.

“City, county, state and federal offices will be closed.

“Post offices will be closed.

“State liquor stores will be closed.

“Most banks will be closed.

From staff and wire reports

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