Three Hikers Missing Near Index As Danger Of Avalanche Climbs

INDEX, Snohomish County - Rescue crews continued searching today for three hikers presumed lost near Lake Serene in East Snohomish County.

An unstable snowpack drenched by warm rain makes the possibility of avalanches in the area "a very big concern," not just for the missing hikers but for searchers, said Jan Jorgensen, spokeswoman for the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office.

The elevation of the search area is about 3,500 feet.

A helicopter crew and about a dozen ground searchers were looking for Fred Petrie, 31, Snohomish; Scott Bennett, 28, Gold Bar; and Tim Skadan, 31, Bothell. Skadan and Bennett, who work for Boeing in Everett, are experienced hikers.

Lee Leavitt, one of the helicopter pilots involved in the search, said visibility was good this morning, but, so far, there has been no trace of the hikers. Leavitt's partner, Tom Barr, was up for several hours today, Leavitt said.

Some snowshoe tracks were spotted yesterday, Leavitt said, but they were eventually covered by snow.

The men left Friday afternoon and were expected back by Sunday afternoon. When they didn't return, family members grew concerned.

The men were hiking and camping near Bridal Veil Falls on Mount Index, near the town of Index. Friends and relatives have camped out on Mount Index since Sunday night waiting for word from rescuers.

The three were well-equipped with hiking gear, warm clothes, tents and enough food to last until Sunday, said Skadan's mother, Beth Skadan.

Skadan used the same equipment when he climbed Mount Rainier this summer on his birthday - reaching his goal of climbing the mountain before he turned 31.

"Tim is not going to take any chances. He is very level-headed. He's a very responsible person," his mother said.

"When they left, Stevens Pass was closed and snow had fallen from after Christmas, but I don't think they were aware the next storm coming would be as damaging as it was," she said in the Bothell home she shares with her son and his two young children.

"They felt they were prepared, and Scott had climbed this area before. Apparently, he always climbed up to Lake Serene this time of year and he's never had problems before."

Skadan's mother said her son was excited about the climb because he loves to hike and had no weekend plans since his children were to visit their mother, Skadan's ex-wife, in Seattle.

The children are staying with their mother, and other relatives are gathered in Bothell. "Others are on the mountain, and I'm here holding down the fort," said Beth Skadan.