It was below freezing when the 16-year-old girl went missing while hiking with her dog in Northern California on Sunday. On Monday, she was found safe after spending the night in the cold.
The teen’s mother dropped her off near the Elwell Lodge in Plumas County’s Lakes Basin on Sunday afternoon so she could go hiking with her “small Chihuahua-type dog,” according to the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office.
The mother told the police that her daughter was late when she didn’t come home by 6 p.m., according to the sheriff’s office.
KCRA-TV reported that the teen was only ready for a day hike and had planned to be out for 15 to 45 minutes. They also said that nighttime temperatures in the area can drop into the 30s.
Plumas County Search and Rescue said that search and rescue teams were sent to the area and that a California Highway Patrol Northern Air Operations Helicopter used infrared technology to look from the air. But no matter how hard they looked, they couldn’t find the teen.
Rescuers started looking again on Monday morning, with help from many towns, agencies, family, and friends. A lot of fixed-wing and helicopter planes also joined the search.
They found the teen safe and “in good physical condition” around 4 p.m. and put her back with her family. KCRA was told that the dog was also found safe with the teen.
Plumas County Search and Rescue said, “Searchers, police, and community volunteers sang happy songs as they saw the teen hug her family.” “We are grateful for mutual aid and community support, and the privilege of helping bring a happy conclusion to a very difficult ordeal for all involved.”
