Members of Douglas County's Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team training at Heavenly earlier this month.
A 19-year-old hiker who became disoriented during a day trip to Marlette Lake was safely reunited with his family after an overnight ordeal.
The hiker, Carson City resident Austin Shim set out on a day hike on Tuesday but lost his way.
“As night fell, he accidentally fell into the water, leaving him wet and vulnerable to the cold,” officials said. “Seeking shelter, he moved to the east side of the lake, where he hunkered down among the rocks, attempting to dry off and stay warm through the night.”
The next day, familiar with the area, Shim made his way toward the dam on the west side. Meanwhile, the Douglas County Search and Rescue drone team, consisting of Mike Chapton and David Harolde, was stationed near Highway 28, where Marlette Creek flows out, to survey the area. While they were conducting their search, Shim located them.
He was safely reunited with his family at the Spooner Lake parking lot, uninjured and without the need for medical attention.
The successful search effort involved multiple agencies, including Nevada State Parks, Douglas County Search and Rescue, Carson City Search and Rescue, Sergeant Fisher from Washoe County Search and Rescue, and Raven 3.
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The Douglas County Sheriff's Search and Rescue team located a missing hiker at Spooner Summit after around three hours.
The drone team reported the hiker was in their vehicle and appeared to be OK, though they said monitor him should he require treatment.
Searchers have been on the scene since around 2:30 p.m.
A drone and the team's utility task vehicles were working on the search.
"We urge the public to avoid the area to allow rescue efforts to proceed safely and efficiently," county officials said.
Spooner Summit has trailheads for both the Tahoe Rim Trail and the Clear Creek Trail System.
Warm temperatures have encouraged outdoor activity, though a small storm is forecast to arrive tonight.