SAR volunteers aid in search of Bay Area man missing in Yosemite

A weekend hike in Yosemite turned into a six-day long ordeal for a Bay Area man this week.

Oakland resident Alan Chow, 36, had his backpacking gear and wilderness permit when he set out on a solo hike Saturday, February 17 on the loop trail in Yosemite's northern wilderness area above Hetch Hetchy, about a mile from O'Shaughnessy Dam.

He became disoriented and lost his way.

When Chow didn't show up for work on Tuesday his co-workers contacted authorities and a search was initiated. Over 60 people were involved in the search from several agencies. They faced freezing temperatures and snow as they looked for Chow.

Rather than risking moving from his campsite in the freezing temperatures and snow, Chow stayed in his tent and was able to stay hydrated and had an adequate food supply. His preparedness and ability to make good decisions were key to his rescue and good health, said park officials.

Chow was spotted from a National Park Service helicopter around noon Friday above Wapama Fall in the Hetch Hetchy area after an extensive search the past several days. He was transported to the Hetch Hetchy Ranger Station where he is doing well, park officials said in a press release. Chow sustained minor injuries and has been reunited with family members

Yosemite National Park thanked the California Highway Patrol, Bay Area Mountain Rescue, California Office of Emergency Services, Marin County Search and Rescue, Tuolumne County Sheriffs Office, El Dorado County Sheriffs Office, Contra Costa County Search and Rescue, Southern California Winter Ski team,and YoDogs (search dogs).