Rescuers Face Deep Snow And High Winds On Longs Peak

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, CO -- The search for missing U.S. Air Force Academy cadet, Micah Tice, 20, began at sunrise on Tuesday morning on Longs Peak. According to a press release from Rocky Mountain National Park, members of he park's Search and Rescue Team searched sections of the Longs Peak Trail, sections of the Boulder Field to the Keyhole area, as well as the trail to Chasm Lake, facing deep snow and high winds.

A Colorado National Guard helicopter conducted an initial aerial reconnaissance, but the flight had to be curtailed due to wind gusts over 90 mph.

A Summit County Search and Rescue dog team, a Colorado National Guard helicopter and crew, and Alpine Rescue Team members assisted in Tuesday's search.

Rocky Mountain National Park rangers were notified Monday, Nov. 26 that the U.S. Air Force Academy was asking for assistance in locating Tice, a cadet from Las Vegas, Nevada, who hadn't been hear from since Friday, Nov. 23. Park rangers found his car at the Longs Peak trailhead on Monday afternoon.

Tice's planned destination and route are unknown. Saturday's weather on Longs was very cold, with high winds and significant snow accumulation, according to park officials.

Park rangers would like to hear from anyone who has been in the Longs Peak area since Saturday morning, Nov. 24 or who may have had contact with Tice regarding his planned route on Longs Peak. Those with any information can reach Rocky Mountain National Park at (970) 586-1204.

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Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team member along Chasm Lake Trail, November 27, 2018. Image courtesy Rocky Mountain National Park