Rescuers save hiker near Kendall Katwalk

King County Explorer Search and Rescue said a hiker in her late 60s was rescued near Kendall Katwalk on Saturday, May 30, after sliding about 100 feet on a steep patch of lingering snow. The woman suffered significant upper-body injuries and could not walk the roughly 4.5 miles back to the trailhead, according to the rescue group. Passing hikers helped move her back onto the trail and gave her initial aid and warming before rescue teams arrived. The operation lasted until about 10 p.m., when crews brought her to the trailhead and transferred her to Snoqualmie Pass Fire & Rescue. ### Where did the accident happen? Kendall Katwalk is a well-known section of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Snoqualmie Pass area of Washington, and the incident happened near — but not directly on — that stretch, according to The Trek, citing King County Explorer Search and Rescue. The outlet described the Katwalk as a narrow section of trail cut into a steep rock face near mile 2396 of the Pacific Crest Trail. (komonews.com) Kittitas County, Washington, was the location identified in KOMO’s report. The rescue group said the woman was stranded on an exposed slope where cold wind remained a factor despite relatively mild weather and multiple clothing layers. ### How did rescuers get her out? King County Explorer Search and Rescue said it was deployed just before 2 p.m. on Saturday. (thetrek.co) Teams hiked in with medical equipment and transport gear, stabilized the woman’s injuries and then carried her out over several hours. The route out included multiple downed trees and stream crossings, which slowed the evacuation, according to KOMO and The Trek. (komonews.com) King County Explorer Search and Rescue said Seattle Mountain Rescue, SPART, the King County Incident Support Team and King County 4x4 Search and Rescue also took part in the mission. ### Who helped before the rescue teams arrived? Passing hikers were the first people to help the injured woman, according to King County Explorer Search and Rescue. The group said those hikers got her back onto the trail and provided initial aid and warming while waiting for rescuers. (komonews.com) The rescue group said the woman’s injuries were significant enough that she could not leave under her own power. KOMO reported that Snoqualmie Pass Fire & Rescue was waiting at the trailhead when search teams returned around 10 p.m. ### Why are snow hazards still a problem this late in the season? (komonews.com) King County Explorer Search and Rescue said snow can remain on shaded slopes well into early summer in Washington. The group said the slope involved in this rescue was extremely cold and windy, even though conditions elsewhere felt relatively mild. (komonews.com) The group urged hikers to turn around if they encounter snow without the right equipment, and specifically recommended traction devices such as microspikes along with the 10 Essentials. It also reminded the public that search and rescue is free in Washington and that people should call 911 for help in an emergency. (komonews.com) ### What should hikers watch next? King County Explorer Search and Rescue said lingering snow remained a hazard on shaded terrain as of the May 30 rescue near Kendall Katwalk. Hikers heading into the Snoqualmie Pass area can monitor local trail conditions and rescue guidance through King County search-and-rescue organizations and should expect early-season snow risks to persist into the start of June. (komonews.com)