Snow traps hikers for hours near Denny Creek

SNOQUALMIE PASS — Two hikers were stranded for hours near Denny Creek off Interstate 90 after being trapped by snow.

The hikers, a man and a woman, had hiked about 1.5 miles from the main road and were reportedly cold, wet and feeling hypothermic.

They were rescued around 5:30 p.m. King County Search and Rescue crews started its response before noon.

The two hikers spent the night at Melawkwa Lake and were trapped by six feet of snow that fell overnight.

The snow was so deep in the area that searchers need snowmobiles to rescue the hikers at Denny Creek.

Washington State Department of Transportation cameras near the exit for Denny Creek showed lots of snow on the ground on I-90 at Mile Point 46.8 on Tuesday morning.

Denny Creek is near Snoqulamie Pass, where the search for a missing skier was suspended due to avalanche control.

The popular trail is considered "gentle" and "family-friendly," according to Washington Trail Association.

Authorities say people should refrain from back country hiking in the area as winter weather conditions are making rescues difficult.

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