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More clues sought in missing Glacier NP hiker case

Posted: Aug 1, 2012 9:38 AM by KPAX/KAJ Media Center
Updated: Aug 1, 2012 7:27 PM


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WEST GLACIER- Searchers found few clues on Tuesday as they continue to search for a seasonal Glacier National Park employee who failed to return from a hike over the weekend.

Park officials say that some partial boot tracks were found that are very similar to the boots believed to be worn by Jakson Kreiser were found while they also received some information from a hiker who was in the area over the weekend.

One of the 12 search teams, that included certified trackers with the North Valley Search and Rescue Team and a Glacier National Park employee, identified partial tracks that match the sole pattern of boots believed to be worn by Kreiser. The tracks were found near Mary Baker Lake in the Floral Park area.

The park also received a call from a hiker who was on the Hidden Lake Trail on Saturday and officials say the "hiker provided credible information, combined with other information gathered, that helps establish timing and location of Kreiser on Saturday morning," according to a news release.

"The clues identified yesterday are valuable in helping narrow our focus for the search efforts, and they help to identify the areas of highest probability of finding Mr. Kreiser," Incident Commander Scott Emmerich said.

He added that the park and the many partners in the search incident are committed to do all they can to find Kreiser.

Several volunteers of North Valley Search and Rescue assisting with the search operation are trained and certified trackers and help in looking for tracks and evidence that may help in an investigation or search incident. The U.S. Border Patrol also has trained trackers, as well as specialized canine search teams, assisting with the incident. Other members of local search and rescue teams of the Flathead County Sheriff's Office are also helping with the search.

Ground and aerial searches have been conducted since Sunday in the search for the 19-year-old, with several crews staying overnight in the backcountry.

The search area is focused in the area between Hidden Lake and Avalanche Lake. Kreiser's vehicle was found in the Logan Pass Visitor Center Parking Lot and it is believed that Kreiser was attempting a day hike from Logan Pass to Avalanche Lake.

Park officials point out that his intended route is in some treacherous country filled with rock cliffs, water falls, wet and slippery rocks and boulders, and dense vegetation. The descent is also more than 4,000 feet in steep conditions.

Kreiser, who is from Michigan, was reported missing when he failed to return following a day hike on Saturday. He is 6'2" tall with black, short and curly hair, and a black beard. It is believed he is wearing a yellow sweatshirt and grey colored khaki pants, and carrying a grey and yellow backpack.

Anyone that may have been in the Logan Pass, Hidden Lake, Floral Park or Avalanche Lake areas over the weekend and may have seen Kreiser, is encouraged to contact park dispatch at (406) 888.7800.

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Topics: missing hiker, Glacier National Park

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