Woman Separated from Hiking Group in High Winds, Icy Conditions, Rescued by Volunteers

A woman who became separated from her hiking group on Sunday spent a cold night out in high winds and icy conditions near Wellman Divide and she was rescued Monday morning by volunteers with the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit, a sheriff's sergeant said.

Deputies responded to a call for help in the area of the Palm Springs Aerial Tram at 10:12 p.m. Oct. 27, Sgt. Richard Beatty of the Cabazon Station said in a statement.

"The lone hiker, Wang Xiuyan, of Culver City, became separated from her hiking group and was in need of assistance," Beatty said. "State Park Rangers established a three person 'Hasty Team' and attempted to respond to the hiker’s last known location."

Due to high winds and icy conditions they were unable to reach the hiker until 8:05 a.m. Oct. 28, Beatty said. Members from the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit located Xiuyan in the area of Wellman Divide, about 9,600 feet elevation and three miles walk from the Tram's Mountain Station.

"Xiuyan was escorted back to her vehicle," Beatty said. "Xiuyan was not injured and appeared to be in good spirits. Xiuyan did not require medical treatment."

The tram was closed Monday due to gusting winds exceeding 50 miles per hour.

"The Riverside County Sheriff's Department would like to remind hiking enthusiasts to carry proper equipment for any outdoor excursion," Beatty said. "Proper preparedness includes a well thought-out plan shared with friends and family, as well as familiarity with common hiking equipment, such as, G.P.S., maps and compasses."

For more info on being prepared in the mountains visit www.rmru.org.