Overdue backpackers rescued by deputies and volunteers from El Dorado County Sheriff's Office

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Deputies from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) and Search and Rescue volunteers responded to a call on Sunday, January 6 about overdue backpackers in the El Dorado National Forest, just as severe winter weather hit the region.

Family members provided deputies with the backpacker's travel plan and a map of their planned route.

El Dorado County Deputies and specially equipped teams of SAR volunteers went into freezing temperatures and white-out conditions to rescue the trio. Rescue operations went on through the night during treacherous weather conditions. The volunteers found the overdue hikers early in the morning and extracted them from danger, according to EDSO.

This group was prepared for the elements but failed to heed the Severe Weather Warnings and ventured into a dangerous area, according to EDSO.

The backpackers had slight cases of hypothermia but were in good spirits. After warming up and being evaluated by El Dorado County paramedics they were given a ride off the mountain to a local hotel.