Wallface closed for SAR

If anyone else had plans to head to Wallface this weekend, I spoke to the DEC and they said the area will be closed off for the ongoing SAR operation (details here). Not sure how long this closure will extend, but I'd avoid the area over the weekend so as not to interfere with the search.

I was a little shocked when I saw that. Said he was "wearing sandals". That's pretty far backcountry for sandals. I'll never forget taking a little day excursion in front of Wallface one fourth of July. As I hiked into the notch there from the north the temperature fluctuated between 50 degree pockets of cool air and 90+ degree warm breezes. I remember finding ice way down tucked in at the base.... I remember getting to the top being quite an epic (hiking), but maybe that was my inexperience and overweight pack.

Hoping for the best outcome in this search.

Tom Sherman wrote:

I was a little shocked when I saw that. Said he was "wearing sandals". That's pretty far backcountry for sandals. I'll never forget taking a little day excursion in front of Wallface one fourth of July. As I hiked into the notch there from the north the temperature fluctuated between 50 degree pockets of cool air and 90+ degree warm breezes. I remember finding ice way down tucked in at the base.... I remember getting to the top being quite an epic (hiking), but maybe that was my inexperience and overweight pack.

Hoping for the best outcome in this search.

Wow, talk about bringing back memories. My first time climbing on Wallface was 4th of July w/e (1976, yikes). We slept on top of a huge boulder a stone's thrwo from summit rock, and got water from a small stream that ran through a deep hole underneath it, where there was still quite a bit of ice.

Best wishes to all involved. Hope they find him!

This is a good reminder to always let someone know where you intend to be. The big searches over a lot of ground are really a slogfest for the good people who do this. Thanks to all you SAR folks for volunteering.

Best, OLH

There's more information here regarding SAR activities, including a number to call with information from anyone who may have been in the area and seen him:

https://www.adirondackexplorer.org/news_releases/dec-continue-searching-stevens-weekend

Sadly they found the missing hiker dead

http://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2017/09/body-missing-high-peaks-hiker-found-near-wallface-pond.html

Thanks for the update. My thoughts go out to friends and family. Incredible job from the rescue team in bringing closure to the search.